Hi Leena,

I finished 7 weeks of Radiotherapy on March 15, after a radical neck dissection (SCC Stage III/IV, primary near left tonsil, 41 lymph nodes removed, one positive).

Yes, at the beginning it is tough, even swallowing water, but a couple of soluble Panadols before, and sometimes a couple of Panadeine Forte helped me. I did not have a "peg", but drank heaps of milk based things (thank goodness I am not allergic to milk!), after my pain killers. One week after Radio I managed to eat 2 prawns (took ages!), and my poor jaw and teeth were shocked, they ached for a day!

Three months out I am enjoying the occasional small piece of meat or fish (fish is better, nice and soft), and loads of vegies. Don't despair, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Tried a piece of pizza the other night - wonderful! Except for the starchy base.

I lost around 13-15 kilos, and that is a bit much for my build, and am hoping to regain some soon.

Don't despair, just keep that water bottle handy (and stuff for thrush, etc).

Good luck,

Tizz