In 2020 cancer in my Pyriform Sinus (a large tumor) and in the lymph nodes in my neck were discovered, but first, I had the terrible sore throat and earache that you described. I learned that this is the first sign of throat cancer. The lymph nodes in my neck were hard and about the size of ping-pong balls and then smaller. I told my PCP that I knew I had cancer, but she wanted me to wait (I don't know why, but this was a bad call).
As it turned out, due to COVID, the hospital was not able to see me in March, once my PCP referred me, and I had to wait until June to begin treatment (waiting 6 months after I knew). I then got the feeding tube and began chemo and radiation at the same time. The treatment was very difficult - unable to swallow or speak, as you mentioned, and the feeding tube was no fun. The side effects of these treatments did not dissipate until the following June, 2021, however I still have the sore throat, difficulty with swallowing, have to clear my throat every few seconds if I am talking, and very little saliva in my mouth.
Then, this past July, a PET scan showed that the lymph node cancer came back and had metastasized to both lungs. I am now having Immunotherapy, IV supplement sessions, a supplement called Valasta, and I am seeing someone who had a device called Firefly. It is even more serious now, but I am not willing to again go through the side effects of chemo and radiation, which were debilitating. I want to at least be able to enjoy my life while doing these treatments, and I hope and pray that the treatments put it in remission.