Well, after 2 weeks and 2 days of radiation the side effects are here. Sore throat, sore mouth, no appetite. We have the Magic Mouthwash, Fentanyl patch and Vicodin. I know this is just the beginning. So far Paul's attitude remains positive. He's still working, grocery shops for things he thinks he might like to eat and sleeps a lot when not at work. I really haven't been much help as he is determined to do as much as he can for himself for as long as he can. He's "saving" my help for later when he may need it more. I have always had faith that his course of treatment is the right one and will "cure" the cancer. Lately though, the more I read on this website I'm finding more and more that most of you have had recurrences. Is this really the "norm?"