I had radiation 5 times, three different types with IMRT, IORT, and Proton Therapy, with over 200Gy, and a number of things factor in with radiation.

Side effects depend on the type of radiation being given, what the dosage will be, called Grays (Gy), the daily fractions, the duration, where being radiated, if being radiated bilaterally or ipsilateral (both or one side), if the salivary glands are being spared, which usually are with IMRT or partially so, if just having radiation alone or with Chemoradiation, the type of chemo, if surgery or radiation was done prior, plus others things that matter. Also factoring in is your current health status, co-medical conditions, illnesses, medications that may effect treatment.

Several things that help get you through radiation is adequate nutrition, hydration, impeccable oral care, pain and nausea control, infection control, neck care, and rest.

I'm not saying worry to death, but you should be concerned or on heightened alert, and start taking some actions, since it's the fight for your life. I read everything I could, had the best doctors, hospital I thought, had a plan of action, even thought of plan B, and C, so I was ahead of the game, even found 2 more cancers before two different surgeries on my own from being diligent, which were then eradicated during the planned surgery. I also thought of my finances, my medical insurance continuation, and if it would be good to change or not, how I would get to treatment, everyday, what resources there were, shopping for food, meals, what your work benefits are, applying for short term disability, Long term, SSDI, SSI, if ever needed etc., so there are a lot to things to think about, some may just be a thought, some items may take more thought, other tasks can be delegated, some ate when needed, depending on the situation, change of situation, to plan, replan again after treatment. I'm just not one to sit idle to wait for things to happen, sometimes you do wait when all can be done until the next phase, but my actions helped me a lot, I believe.

Good luck with everything.