Joe,

The tumor in my neck was very large so the radiation oncologist began with conventional XRT treatments. With the concurrent chemo my tumor responded quickly so after 4 weeks he moved me to the IMRT machine to try and spare some salivary glands and surrounding tissues. I have a partial dry mouth - I do produce some saliva but I also carry a water bottle everywhere I go. As far as swallowing goes, I do have some issues. My ENT insisted on a feeding tube and I am glad he did because I couldn't swallow anything from about 3 weeks into treatment until about 5-6 months post treatment. The tube was pulled out after 9 months. I have progressed with my eating the past year and a half starting with really soft foods and going from there. I still have to eat small bites and it takes me a long time to eat. This is due to scar tissue building up in my esophagus from the radiation. Try to swallow during radiation - I couldn't/didn't and I think that caused some of my difficulties. But even though I have eating issues it's manageable and I have gained 13 pounds in a year. I lost over 50 pounds even with the feeding tube.

As far as the right shoulder weakness goes - if you have a neck dissection I imagine the shoulder weakness is inevitable. I can lift my right arm over my head but it is noticeably weaker. I make myself use the right arm and I lift weights and exercise it to keep it moving -it's not that big a deal for me.

I don't have any speech difficulties other than my mouth dries out faster when I talk a lot. One thing to remember, even though our diagnosis sounds so much alike, the treatment plans and side effects are very individualized.

Hope I have helped you some - any other concerns, don't hesitate to ask.

Pam