I haven't posted since I started my treatment so I thought I would write an update. I had a port and PEG tube done 8/24 (if I remember correctly) before Tx. I was supposed to start chemo and rad the next day but wow that feeding tube got me nauseous and sore so I started the day after. My stomach stayed sore for about a week. The docs said it was better to get the port and PEG done before treatment to prevent any complications if I needed a PEG during Tx. The quick and dirty- the IMRT is shooting the lower jaw and neck, both sides. I have had 8 rounds so far. The chemo (cisplatin) really knocked me on my butt right off. The folks here at Tripler Army hospital did a great job of giving me plenty of meds to control nausea. I was borderline queasy for about 5 days but didn't throw up. I even went to work for a couple of days but by the weekend I was on my back, it caught up to me. Major fatigue and loss of appetite. My tastebuds went off right away. Everything had a metallic taste. After round 5 of the rad, my lower jaw started swelling up. By round 7 (last Friday) of the rad, my throat started swelling up. I can still eat but it has to be almost mush, and everything tastes off. My mouth went from really dry to the last few days having really really thick mucous. Next week I am up for another round of chemo. I got the ringing in my ears from the cisplatin like the 2nd or 3rd day after, but right now it is only very infrequent. Just an update.