Get a PEG. I have one which I didn't use until week 5 (out of 7) of radiation. I still have lost 25 pounds. I continued to swallow water. I am now 3 weeks out of radiation and starting to eat and my swallowing is working well. Really, a PEG is great idea and makes eating one less thing to worry about.

DX 2/10/09; Stage 1 SCC side of tongue; Partial Gloss; PEG in 3/3/09; 3 Cisplatin; 35 IMRT; PEG out 7/17/09; Eating via mouth and walking 3 miles/day 4 wks after treatment end. 50 pound weight loss; Clear PET 09/09 and 09/10