Hello Lynn. Sounds like you are hanging in there and still keeping a positive attitude. Radiation treatment has a long-lasting effect on the body. I am going to have to have speech therapy because of a thickening in the throat area. It sounds like there are exercises I can do that will make swallowing easier and to keep the situation from getting worse. I still do not have whiskers on the left side of my face yet so I guess one positive result is my shaving time is reduced to half time.
I too try and keep a positive attitude and am so grateful for the recent PET scan showing no signs of Merkel but must admit to a looming dread of its return.
In the meantime I am thankful for every day as a gift.
Take care of yourself and keep in touch.