Hi all,

I am a 53 year old female undergoing radiation for a tumor in my soft palate. I have completed 2 weeks of my 6 week plan. While I am trying to stay positive, I am already growing weary of the side effects of the treatment. I have lost my taste almost completely, I can taste the hint of sweet and/or chocolate, but nothing else. Eating solid food is such a chore I dread even trying. The dry mouth has caused my tongue to crack and bleed, my gums to bleed when I brush. I am using the methods given to me thus far to help with the issues, but I don't know if they are helping or not. It's hard to have family understand the full scope of this so I was glad to find a place where people really understand. I am looking forward to finding support and understanding here. After reading just a few of the other posts here I realize I really have nothing to complain about. My tumor was encapsulated and while the ENT felt he got it all, the margins were too small to insure there were no bad cells left behind, hence the radiation. My situation is not near as serious as most of you, but I would really be interested in hearing from anyone who has had what I had and about the longevity of the side effects.