welcome...
i know the feeling about never being in a hospital before. i'm 26 and have just started my chemo and radiation regimine. i've been though 2 round of cisplatin and 4 rounds of radiation. i have one more chemo left and 3 more radiations until my big surgery tuesday. i will have 1/2 or more of my tongue removed and rebuilt as well as a neck dissection.
the thought of 12 days in the hospital really gets to me, but i'm going to try and make the best of it.
i found that staying positive is the key for getting through this. believe that you will beat this and you'll come out a winner.

keep your head up....i'll add you to my prayers.