Bloop,

If your cancer has already spread to the nodes, concurrent chemo/rad is the norm. Have they said what chemo(s). I will assume Cisplatin. If so get your hearing tested pre Tx as Cisplatin can cause permanent hearing loss. The chemo/rad combo can be tough especially from the 4th week into Tx lasting until the 3rd week post Tx. Count on it and maybe you will be one of the ones that skate through. Let's hope so.

Re the Peg and Port. I didn't have either and I wish I had had the Port but I still wouldn't opt for the Peg even though it would have made getting the proper calories and hydration easier.

You will most likely, Peg or not, loose many pounds. You will also loose your saliva and your taste, all of which will return for the most part in your 2 year recovery period. Therefore we encourage everyone about to start rad to EAT EAT EAT everything in sight until you just won't want to anymore.

Re the mask. It only took one heart pounding practice session for me to accept the mask but some get their docs to prescribe a sedative that they take right before being clamped down. Most of us were allowed to play our favorite music during the rad sessions and I had them turn mine up to ear popping levels so I could drown myself in music and go somewhere else in my past where it was nice.

Good luck and know that this site will here 24/7 so don't hesitate to use it about anything.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.