I am hoping someone with experience can help.  My dad was diagnosed almost 5 years ago.  He did chemo and radiation.  As a result of the radiation damage, he will never be able to take anything by mouth.  He struggles with pleghm (sp).  He has a hard time coughing things up.  He would take a plastic spoon, and scrape the back of his mouth to aleve the problem.  He says this no longer works.  Has anyone experienced this before, and did a suction machine help?  Thanks to all of you for your help and guidance through this difficult time.