Welcome to our family. Sorry you have to be here, but we're all here for help and support. Christine has given you great advice to which I can add only a little.

I know about the problems eating solid food. Yeah, it's a chore, no question. If you're having mouth sores and pain I'd recommend asking your team about viscous lidocaine. Essentially a numbing agent in a bottle. I found swishing it around for lengthening times was absolutely necessary before I could tolerate anything short of water. If you can, forget about how things taste - just do it for the calories. You really do need them, and to keep your swallowing muscles in shape as well.

Are you doing liquid nutrition? You don't mention it but I'll assume it's in the cards as it is for many of us. That will make it easier to get those calories down. I lived on the stuff for at least 6 months. I did lose weight as most of us do, but it kept me going!

Also keep up the moistening in your mouth. There are various concoctions, some prescription some not. Ask your RO nurse about them. Christine's idea of IV hydration is great. I did it a few times during rads and it always perked me up for a few days. Thinking back I should have gone twice a week! I think you'll find it very helpful.

Mainly: hang in there. You'll get through this! Like you I had just about no support system other than phone calls. Come in here whenever you want to ask questions or just to vent. That's why we're here.

All the best to you.