Oof, Pat... I think I'll get 100% consensus when I say that finishing treatment is absolutely NOT the beginning of being better. For most of us, its the beginning of feeling worse! Radiation is cumiliative so the worst effects don't happen until its over.

As far as eating, is there a reason he can't take more than water by mouth? Also, is he doing any sort of stretching exercises for his jaw muscles? Those are very, very important!

One more thing, from your signature line, there is no such thing as 'routine' surgery. That is, it might be routine for the doctor, but it sure isn't routine for the patient or his or her family! I sure hope the appointment tomorrow goes well. I suspect the docs will do a thorough exam of your husband's mouth and throat, possibly with the scope, and they'll want to know generally how he's doing and feeling. It should be pretty 'routine.'

- Margaret

Stage IV SCC lt lateral tongue, surgery 5/19/08 (partial gloss/upper neck dissection left side/radial free flap reconstruction) IMRT w/weekly Cisplatin & Erbitux 6/30/08, PEG 1 6/12/08 - out 7/14 (in abdominal wall, not stomach), PEG 2 7/23/08 - out 11/20/08, Tx done 8/18/08
Second SCC tumor, Stage 1, rt mobile tongue, removed 10/18/2016, right neck dissection 12/9/2016
Third SCC tumor, diagnosed, 4/19/2108, rt submandibular mass, HPV-, IMRT w/ weekly Cisplatin, 5/9 - 6/25/2018, PEG 3 5/31/2018