Kelly,

I'm glad to hear you were spared some of the horrors many of the other posters had to go through, even if it was still anything but a walk in the park. Here's hoping your follow-ups are clear. Hearing your experience gives me something to shoot for - thank you for letting me know how a tiny bit about what you've gone through. I am glad to hear that you don't seem to have suffered as much as most others. Assuming having a 12 year old to tend to and a supportive wife helped, too.

OK - just looked up Ethyol. So it was given in hopes of protecing your salivary glands, and it sounds like it did help you - great. I've read that you may recover more, that'd be wonderful. I've been reading (and agonizing over) several posters' descriptions of the pain of inadequate or non-existent saliva production.

So, were you able to eat at least soft foods throughout, or did you need to resort to liquids?

I really was pleased to hear from someone who has fared relatively well through treatment. My son is older, and I was afraid that I'd have to ask him to move back in with me for most of the treatment period (he has a live-in, college, and work, so it would be a hardship for him). Your post helps me think I've got a shot at self-sufficiency.

Thanks - my best to you and yours - do well.