Saying everyone is different is right on target. What one patient goes thru versus another one with the exact same diagnosis with their tumor size and location can be like night and day. The very best thing to help your husband get thru this is to focus on what is controllable... his intake. I know your husband is not always the easiest patient to deal with. Hopefully he will be on board with getting at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water every single day. Also keeping his pain under control will make a big difference in how easily he manages.

As far as work goes, its very individualized depending on his profession. Sometimes those patients who have a more physical job are able to do better as they are more in shape than some who sit behind a desk. Some patients can get thru the first 4 weeks easily while others struggle from the first few treatments. By having the smaller weekly doses of chemo he shouldnt experience as many side effects.

A very general guide would be from about the end of week 3 or 4 thru the first 8-10 weeks post rads as when patients feel the worst. But then some struggle not until the last couple days of treatments and have a longer recovery with slower progress. Remember rads are cumulative and keep working even after the treatments stop. Patients usually feel the very worst at the last 2 weeks and first 2-3 weeks after it ends. I had a difficult time from about the 2nd week of rads (when the first "big bag method" of chemo kicked it). Most patients lose their ability to drive about week 4, this is especially true if they are on strong pain meds.

Make sure you make a list of every person who offered help. Tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help. There a so many small things that add up to be a huge help during treatments. Maybe a close friend would volunteer to take him to treatment once a week. For example friend number one takes Wednesdays and thats their day to drive so it gives you a little break. Another friend could pick up meds from the pharmacy. Some groups of friends could rotate making your family a nice homemade meal a few night per week. During treatments your husbands resistance will be compromised and he should avoid going too many places where there are lots of people. So maybe another relative could pick up some groceries for your family once in a while. I cant remember if you have young children or not but playdates can be a huge help as well. If someone would take the kids out for the day that will give you both a break.

I hope the info I gave you helps. I could go on and on about all the small differences between patients and it still wouldnt be enough. Always remember everyone is different. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. By making your focus on your husbands intake, its the very best thing you can do to help him. Just dont forget in all of this to be kind to yourself and take some time to walk away and clear your head. Patients arent the only ones going thru heck, caregivers and the immediate family suffer as well.

Best wishes!!!