He shouldn't have a swallow test (he will need to do this sooner or later to determine if he has dysphagia or aspirates liquids) until all the healing takes place from the surgery. This might be a couple of months. Anything before this will not accurately reflect his situation. These kinds of surgeries are very individual, and it would be impossible for anyone here to offer good advice on this, as the extent of the surgery is not known. It does sound like he has some other issues that might be emotional, related to his future capabilities. If you can get him on these boards, perhaps talking with others that have been through his situation might make him more comfortable with all that is going on.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.