There's a big variation in how folks respond to the radiation. My husband has a lot of flexibility in his work, and was able to work the radidation days (but not the chemo+radiation days) for all but the last week of therapy. The first three-four weeks weren't too bad, last half was pretty brutal: work, go to therapy, come home, drink a protein shake, go to sleep.

He hates pain mads, and was taking approximately a quarter of what most people take according his ENT. So, yes, he hurt, but part of that was his decision.

The important thing that Christine notes is the impact of nutrition and hydration on the process. You can't control everything, but you can keep on top of that (either orally or with a tube), and the pain meds, and the need for sleep. I kepts telling my husband that it was normal to feel exhausted, and to just go to bed and I would do the dishes. He got through the therapy without drama, and we owe that in great part to this forum - because I knew what to expect.