Laurie, Eating is tricky. If you stop for prolonged periods of time it can change muscle control then you need to re-learn the process all over. I had treatment 10 years ago had a tube for 7 months and then started eating for 9 years. In May 07 got asperation pneumonia and am on a peg since then. I continue to asperate and am doing every exercise known for helping this. So far I am still asperating so the good news is you mom is not according to her swallow test right? I have not been on a peg 3 years but the first time was 7 months it was very difficult to learn to eat again. I literally had to chew a lot and wash it down with liquids. I also have no slavary glands and no taste. It could be psychological in part and being scared of gagging. There are other liquid supplements Carnation VHC is 560 calories per can I use this 4 a day. Just keep trying to encourage her start with soups and soft foods and work up from there.

Jim W. DX and treated May 1997 stage 4 tonsil cancer 40 radiation 2X daily at the same time 8 weeks IV chemo cocktail 5 types on 5 days off 2 days refuesed neck resection. 10 years clear now swallow function ceased May 07 after pneumonia.