Hey John,

Just wanted to give you something positive to think about. I am only a few months ahead of you - I finished radiation on 1/13/12, plus I had a little over half of my tongue removed and reconstructed (so my recovery time was even longer), and I have been back at work full time since April 30. In fact, I could have easily gone back at least a month earlier, but I wanted to take advantage of my short term disability and heal completely. Also, I have to travel every week to a different city for my job - which is tiring for anyone - and I am doing great! My fatigue isn't bad, no pain... my only complaints really are my speech and dry mouth. And you shouldn't have much problems with your speech, so you should bounce back in no time! I really do feel like my old self again... physically at least. As soon as you start thinking positively, it will get better. The first few weeks after radiation are the worst. Just take your pain meds, sleep, and relax until you start feeling better! You have your whole life ahead of you, a few months is nothing. Don't forget that age is on your side here, being 25 you recover a lot more quickly than the normal person!