Paul ...take your wife ,and lots of notes. or even record what the Docs are telling you.
Have you checked into IMRT ? A lot of the guys had that and do not seem to have suffered as much with salivary gland destruction. Of course the other side of that is, the wider field radiation may find any loose cannon cells out there . Not exactly a technical term !
We have a lot of very knowledgeble members in here who will be able to guide you , I am sure you will be hearing from them soon.
Take Care
Marica

Caregiver to husband Pete, Dx 4/03 SCC Base of Tongue Stage IV. Chemo /Rad no surgery. Treatment finished 8/03. Doing great!