I went through 34 RADs (about 7 weeks) a month after my surgery. I resisted the need for radiation since 30+ nodes were clear but Cancer board recommended rads since cancer was deep and in close proximity to a nerve. I thought I was superman flying through the first 4 weeks of rads w/ no problem. Worked during the day and had my radiation appt. in the afternoon.

Went from 180lbs to 160 post surgery. Doc said I needed to keep my weight stable and not to fall below 10lbs (150lbs) or will look at feeding tube option. I hated the feeding tube from the hospital so that was my motivation to supplement meals with a banana shake w/ Ensure.

By the end of the 5th week is when rad treatment knocked me down. The skin on the side of my neck cracked, peeled and began to puss. Any movement or turning of my head caused pain. I was taking 800mg ibuprofen to help w/ the pain. Nurse practitioner gave me some soothing burn cream to place on my open sore and covered it with a non stick gauge that i used daily. Took about a week or so before new skin finally grew back. At this point, I took 2 weeks of leave from work to focus on recovering and just to rest. Weighed in at 150lbs after finishing 34 treatments avoiding the feeding tube.

Every treatment, dose and experience will differ from others but this is what I went through.

Keep supporting your husband as he goes through this and he will make it through. I don't know how I made it through this whole ordeal without my wife being there for me. I thank her whenever I can and I tell her that she saved my life.

Justin.