Ron, just one more story. I had IMRT and chemo. I lost my taste, got it back just like it was before. I have probably 90% of pre-tx saliva and have no problem eating pretzels and the like, and do not carry water with me. IMRT allows the computer to be programmed to avoid the parotid glands in many cases. I was burned, got tired, and had the gunky, wallpaper paste saliva for a couple of weeks, but found it all very tolerable and a pretty small price to pay for being very well and happy and active now, thoroughly back in the middle of what I call Real Life. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing this mode of treatment and although I hope never to have to revisit that part of my life, would make the same choice in New York minute. E-mail me if you have specific treatment questions, and I will be happy to give you full details.