Went in today for the Barium swallowing study -- It looks good except I seem to have degraded the cough reflex that makes one cough if any food or liquid makes it down the airway as far as the vocal cords -- We could see that on the test (they are doing some kind of X-ray video of the process of me trying to swallow some nasty barium concoctions, with the thick ones being really hard move around).

I can now start taking small sips of drinks and liquid foods (broth, etc), but need to get in habit of coughing every couple of swallows and when finished until (if?) reflex is back. Healing is coming along nicely, and the lymphedema massage is working to reduce the fluid swelling.

I remain pessimistic about loosening up the neck scar tissue, however. That area is solid, between this recent surgery and the previous radiation, and is pulling my head further forward, although my neck-turning abilities have improved greatly.