Just wondered if anyone is going thru or have experienced something similar to what my sister is experiencing. When she was 3 weeks post treatment she was able to start swallowing a little, (we were thrilled and encouraged), was up to a bottle of water a day, and not using the suction machine. That lasted for about 3 weeks and the last 2 weeks she has had difficulty swallowing, leading to choking and dry heaves. She started using the suction machine again yesterday. Since her tumor is located by the carotid arteries, she lost the ability to swallow before treatment even started. Also having more pain, not just tightness of the neck, but ear pain once again. Is it normal in the post treatment period to regress somewhat from week to week? We were so encouraged when she was able to start swallowing a little, she really misses eating. All in all she is such a trooper and is handling this with patience, we just want to see her better and healthy once more, just as all of you hope for yourselves and your loved ones. Has anyone met with an oral pathologist before? Her physical therapist recommended she do this.