Hi there and welcome Sheila. Congrats on being a survivor above all else. I think that in some ways h&n cancer is like a hidden disability - people look at you and see you as normal when despite looking that way there are other issues below the surface that they can't see - such as difficuly eating, swallowing, talking etc... it's unfortunate but true.. I am pretty close to my new normal - 9 mos out of rads - 1yr out of surgery. I'm sure other issues wil pop up, but for now I feel good. However when I'm out I don't hide my issues - cancer levels the playing field - it is non discriminatory in who it attacks - one day you're fine next you have a life threatening illness. Keeping that in mind I tell people if I'm at dinner... No I can't eat that - and explain why. Its that simple. It doesn't hurt to educate people. With regards to depression, that's a monkey that's two fold. It may have a basis in chemistry (an actual chemical imbalance) or trauma. I get that your family is insensitive - and it's embarrassing to go with no teeth but the reality is there are many others in the same boat - for a whole host of reasons - those that judge based on how you look aren't worth your time, and ultimately don't matter. I have two friends right now who are still fighting this disease (more if you count those from this group) I look at them and sometimes feel guilty - they put this all in perspective. I could very easily face a recurrence, we all could - so I try to live my life to the fullest - try not to let your situation and circumstance get you down, that's when you let this disease win. Find something you like - or enjoy doing and throw yourself into it... Through that, you'll meet like minded people who'll love you and accept you for who you are - and those that don't can take a hike! Hugs!