Hi Mickey,
My husband was dx BOT right side last July. We finished tx at the end of October. Prior to his 60 radiation tx he had 2 cycles 3 weeks apart of Cistplatin, Taxotere and 5FU. They hit him very hard with all they had and we just pray through the days now that it will stay gone!
Kevin didn't work from the time of dx, but he works in Alaska on the Artic Slope so it was a bit far away from New York to continue. He went back January 5, 2012. You can see his dx in my signature.
You most likely start feeling pretty punky after a few weeks of radiation, but, as Christine says, we are all different.
You really do need to eat like crazy while you can. Kevin lost 56 pounds. He did have the yucky mucous, then the dry mouth and everything tasting bad, but these days he eats pretty much what he wants and can taste almost everything. Things taste a little off though, but he's eating. All this after not quite a year so we'll take it!!
If your wife would like to speak to a caregiver, she is welcome to PM me.
Best of luck to you as you begin your journey. We are here for you both. It will be a rough ride, but there really is a light at the end of the tunnel!!
Did they test for HPV? If not, ask them to. It's good to know as HPV dx seems to have a better outcome. Just good to know. Also, if it is HPV, be sure your wife is diligent about her PAP smears. I just had to have a hysterectomy because of cervical HPV.
Keep in touch!!
Blessings,
Kathy