Texas Teacher:I'm in for surgery tomorrow, 5/4/4, so I don't know yet about that, but I had radiation and chemo for 7 weeks. Swallowing becomes more and more difficult as time goes on so a "Peg" (feeding tube) should be considered. Talking is affected, but only a deepening of voice and some sounds (in my case, when I way 8) are a little wacky. Otherwise, radiation is not too bad. Do get some skin burns outside, but they aren't a big deal if you use some of the special cream the nurses can get for you. regards, Kirk Georgia