Hi, Mark
if you are not stubborn (like my husband) and actually take the pain meds will help a lot, but it's not going to be pleasant. If you do not also have to have chemo on top of the radiation it will be easier.
The lost of taste and weird taste bothered my husband more than the pain. The radiation will not impact your eating immediately, so eat lots of good, healthy food now! The OCF board has a LOT of collective knowledge on helping get through RT!
Maria

CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.