Hi Jayne! Welcome to OCF! You are no longer alone with this illness. While there are not many with the same diagnosis, we are all head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Radiation to this area is not easy but you can do it! Please tell us more about yourself. How old are you? Do you have a caregiver?

Its a great idea to take all the well meaning people who approach you with offers of help and write down their name and contact info in a address book. Tell them at this time you will keep them in m ind for when you need a hand. The time will come when doing a load of laundry will be helpful. Or maybe they could drive you to treatment one day and take the burden off your caregiver.

If you are able to eat, now is the time to eat lots! Fill up on all your favorite foods. Dont be afraid of calories, they are your friend! Gaining a few pounds right now is a good idea. You will lose some weight during treatment as your sense of taste will change and eating will have some challenges for a while. Dont worry, its temporary.

A signature will help us to get to know you easier. Its under the 'my stuff' tab. Click on profile, scroll to the bottom and type in the box. Dont worry about being technical, write what you feel is important.