Greetings! I had two surgeries in April. Part of tongue removed plus neck dissection with 16 lymph nodes removed. Chemo and 33 radiation treatments in June and July. I am on a feeding tube and have not eaten much via mouth for five months. Lost 60 pounds. I am three months out of treatment. Not much taste or smell. And absolutely zero appetitive for the last five months.

Doctors and others keep telling me it will get better but not much has changed in the past three months. How long does it take to get some measurable improvement ?

My throat is constricted by fluid. This makes it difficult to swallow. I am told this is lymphedema. I have been getting PT to improve lymph drainage for two months. What should I expect here? How long might it take to get some of the fluid redirected?

Comments from your experience are welcome. Thanks


Russ M.
SSC HPV 16
BOT robotic surgery April 2015
ND April 2015
Chemo and 33 radiation treatments June & July 2015