Thanks for all of the replies-
About the neck dissection question: Is there a window of opportunity that is important when getting this done post rad/chemo? My Mom is thinking of waiting until Jan-Feb to go to MD Anderson. Her husband bought her "her dream trip" to Hawaii and they were suppose to have gone already but it has been rescheduled due to her cancer being found this summer. It is now scheduled for January and she does not want to postpone it again. I am worried that waiting will be dangerous. Any thoughts on this?

About the carotid artery-I asked her oncology dr to do an ultrasound of it upon completion of her Rad. He told me that was not standard procedure. I asked him to do it any ways for my mom due to her elevated risk of stroke prior to cancer. To this date he still has not ordered this test. Can low bp be a sign of carotid problems?

Nelie sorry that you are still experiencing trouble with swallowing. What has the dr. said? Did they anticipate the use of a peg for this long? How frustrating this must be! I know how frustrated my Mom sounds and it has only been 4 weeks. I hope that you see some improvement soon!!
Thanks again everyone
Tami