Claudia,

I ended up in the hospital this past March because my throat had closed up completely - over a year after treatment stopped. I couldn't get even water down, but I had been able to before. A gastroenterologist dilated my throat, and I've had it done twice more since then. He couldn't dilate all the way all in one shot so each time it was dilated to a larger level, and I'm done now unless I have trouble again. Dr said this can happen as much as 2 years after radiation.

The procedure is a breeze to go through. You go to sleep, and wake up being able to swallow much better. There is no pain and results are immediate.

I don't know if your father is having the same problem, but it's a thought.

Best of luck to you both,

Lani