Welcome to OCF! You have found the best source for info and support to help get you thru your upcoming battle. Stick with us and we will help you every step of the way.

Many patients who are seemingly healthy are diagnosed with HPV related OC. Its not uncommon for there to be few if any symptoms.

There are so many appointments and tests to do before starting treatments. You mentioned already seeing your dentist. Did they take molds of your teeth to make flouride trays? If not get that taken care of prior to starting rads. You also should have a full blood work up including thyroid and testosterone counts.

Even if you would end up with a feeding tube, you still will want to swallow at least water several times per day to keep your swallowing muscles active. Believe it or not they can quickly forget when not being used daily.

Your intake must become your main priority starting right now until at the very least you hit your one year post rads anniversary. Every single day you should be taking in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you lead an active lifestyle and are working out you would need more, maybe even 3500 calories daily. No it is NOT too much! Your body is compromised at this time so it burns calories at an incredible rate. During recovery you will need to rebuild your body so it needs extra calories to do so. This is something you cant skimp on. Not even for one day as it quickly turns into a downward spiraling cycle which ends with malnutrition and dehydration, both are not fun.

During your treatments you might not feel up to hitting the gym as hard as usual. Many patients have had to put their workouts on hold for a couple months until they get back on their feet.

Anyone who offers assistance to you, take down their name and number. Tell them when the time comes you need help you will let them know what they can do. You may need a hand with picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, doing a load of laundry, helping you with light housekeeping or even driving you to treatments. Many patients lost their ability to drive due to pain meds so its a good plan to line up some helpers. Hopefully you have a caregiver to help you. If not then it would be a good plan to find a few helpers you know you can count on when you need a hand. Dont be shocked if people you know change. Some run for the hills while others you barely know will become your best allies. Its nothing personal, some people have a hard time dealing with illness of those close to them.

Its a long road but you will get thru it. Feel free to ask us any questions you might think of. We will help you as much as possible, you're family now. Best wishes!