Glad to hear you are doing well with your recovery!
Radiation isnt easy but with some direction you will do just fine. We will help you so stick with us
To prepare, if you havent already seen your dentist try to make an appointment right away prior to rads starting. Anyone who undergoes radiation for head and neck cancer should wear fluoride trays on their teeth. This can help prevent major dental issues after rads. Also using a waterpik, having impeccable daily dental maintenance and getting regular (if not more frequent) dental cleanings. Since you just had major surgery, ask your doc if its ok to use a waterpik on your new mouth. You sure dont want to have any additional problems if you havent heeled enough before using it.
There will be so many things to do before you begin treatments. Make sure to have a full blood workup done including thyroid levels (and for men also get testosterone levels). You may have problems years down the road with your thyroid. A blood test now ensures you will know what your regular baseline thyroid levels should be. Taking a pill a day to manage your thyroid isnt a big deal, but getting the baseline level is.
For right now focus on eating all your favorite foods as much as you can with what you've already been thru. During and after rads, your sense of taste and ability to swallow may make eating difficult for a while, so eat now. You probably will want to begin focusing on your intake right now to help speed your recovery. Dont worry about gaining a couple pounds, you will probably be like most of us and lose weight during your treatments. When a person has cancer they burn up calories at an increased rate. During treatments and recovery you will want to boost your intake, even now you need to help your body recover so try to take in more calories. During rads and for at least the first year afterwards, you will need a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water daily. More (like 3000 or 3500 calories) will only help make rads easier. You may not be able to eat very well right after surgery but definitely try to have all your favorites now.
Another tip is to not think too far ahead. Take it day by day. Nobody can predict how the future will be. Try to avoid worrying about things you have no control over and focus on what is within your grasp... your intake, pain levels, etc. By constantly thinking ahead, it only creates more unneeded stress making everything harder than it has to be. I know this isnt easy as all people are always concerned about their unknown futures. Depression and anxiety are common with OC patients (many of their caregivers too). If you feel the need for anxiety meds, get them! Just think of it as another tool to get you thru some hard times.
If you havent already done so ask about seeing a speech pathologist to help you with managing eating and talking clearly with your mouth that has had major surgery. The sooner you start with this, the easier it will be for you.
Anyone who offers their assistance, tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help. Make sure to write everyones name down and contact info for later in case you need someone else to give them a call or text. There are many small things you could need help with during and after rads. Over the years working on the forum, Ive seen most people genuinely want to help but many dont know what they can do so dont be shy if you need help... ask.
I could go on and on with tiny little tips. But Ive probably already given you too much to think about. I want you to avoid the pitfalls that many patients run into. Read thru posts and also on the main OCF pages to educate yourself about your illness. An informed patient is a much better advocate for themselves. Best wishes with everything!!!