Hi everyone.
I recently had surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck with half of the tumor being removed,(the half that was wrapped around my external carotid artery). The other half was left as it was not feasible to remove it via surgery due to the location of it. It is embedded in a nerve bundle so radiation and chemo has been ordered. My petscan was normal six weeks ago which is reassuring. My oncologists tell me that we have caught it in time.
I've heard "horror" stories about the side effects of head/neck radiation. Has anyone here had any experience with IMRT radiation to the neck? If you give me some insight about what to expect relative to the side effects I would be most appreciative. Also what things you did or what the dr prescribed for them would be helpful.

Thank you very much