Not being able to swallow after surgery is normal. I had my tongue surgery back in February and they tell me I will be lucky to learn how to swallow again by Christmas. My story is complicated by having to get even more radiation and chemo (last TX tomorrow ! )so that has set me back. The key is to have your father get SPEECH AND SWALLOWING THERAPY. I finished off 20 sessions and will be taking another 20 once my throat calms down from this radiation and I get the all clear from my surgeon,
So while it is a hassle, it does not mean anything too bad. Some people have no problems with swallowing. I had no problems the first time I went through this, it was relatively easy, and I did not even use a feeding tube, Different story the second time around. since this is your fathers second time, just be patient and make sure he gets the therapy,
Charm


65 yr Old Frack
Stage IV BOT T3N2M0 HPV 16+
2007:72GY IMRT(40) 8 ERBITUX No PEG
2008:CANCER BACK Salvage Surgery
25GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Apaghia /G button
2012: CANCER BACK -left tonsilar fossa
40GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin

Passed away 4-29-13