The swelling will subside eventually after the radiation treatment is over. In the meantime, do you have access to the counseling department at your hospital? They may be able to talk to you about your sense of isolation and social anxiety. Or, if you prefer, your doctor can give you a prescription for anti-anxiety medication.

Are you sleeping on an incline? Many patients do because of the saliva or post-nasal drip problem. Swallowing is hard for the time being because the radiation penetrates the skin and while it burns away the cancer, it also burns the insides. Neck sores form outside but there are sores inside as well that you can’t see. You have to give it time to scar and heal. Don’t be in a rush to swallow food especially bread. It doesn’t slide down and gets stuck. You are better off trying a poached egg if you really want to try.