I am sorry you went through all that, but you are now past that and are obviously learning to deal with the long term effects of radiation and surgery. I don't know who told you that you get back 70-80% of saliva, but that certainly has not been my case. I always say if they find my body and no water vessel is near me - suspect foul play! I even sleep with a flip top water bottle in bed as I wake many times each night to drink.

As far as what you have been through - I once heard a marvelous quote of Winston Churchhill's. I may misquote, but the essence of it was "You will never get where you want to go if you stop to throw rocks at every dog that barks". Think about that. Let the past be just that - the past - and focus on getting well. Glad to have you here. Vent away anytime.

Donna