Im sorry Nicki that your father is struggling. I hate to say this but yes, it is normal. He went thru a huge operation that takes a very long time to bounce back from. Plus on top of that he had radiation too. Combine those two things and you have a very long recovery period with lots of pain.

After my mandibulectomy, I was kept in the hospital for 2 months. I had complications and the operation had to be redone. I was in severe pain with many setbacks. When I was finally sent home, I was still in bad shape for a few more months. I would get stabbing pains in my cheekbone, shoulder and jaw. These pains were so bad that they would stop me dead in my tracks, frozen unable to move because of the severity of the pain. I had a picc line and took IV antibiotics for about 8 months. I also had a visiting nurse for over a year after I had my surgery. I explained all of this to you so that you can understand what your dad has been thru is extreme and how it is not a quick fix like healing from a sprained ankle.

Depression is also a part of this whole terrible disease and recovery. That is something you can help him with. Find a good therapist or psychologist (psychiatrist) to help him (sorry i dont know which doc prescribes the meds). Fighting cancer, the recovery, after effects and fear of a recurrence are enough to make the most sensible person a nervous wreck. On top of all of that is the pain meds which are depressants too. Many cancer patients need this kind of help.

Better days are ahead!!!! Hang in there!!!!