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welcome to this site. You're in the right place...we've all been there.

I also had extensive surgery (17 hours worth) prior to 30 radiaiton treatments. I won't kid you; if I had to do one or the other again, I'd take the surgery over the radiation in a heartbeat.

You will be sicker than you are now, almost certainly. You'll stay that way for at least a couple of weeks after treatment ends too. But you will start to feel better, I promise.

Do you have a PEG or nasal tube for feeding? You will develop a VERY sore throat, and you may not be able to take in enough calories or fluids to keep you going. Both food and water are Incredibly important. Don't stop either, not even for a day. You will wind up in hospital very quickly. Start using liquid supplements, right away. Boost, Ensure, Resource 2.0, Carnation VHC, Scandiashakes...all very high calorie balanced nutrition, easy to swallow.

Drink lots of water. You'll see your saliva production drop off and what saliva you do have will become thick. Water is important, so drink it often, every day. It also maintains your swallowing ability.

If you're having pain, talk to your Doctor. There is no reason to suffer, and there are lots of medications to help you through the tough spots.

The pain will be at times bad. The sores in your mouth will not get better for some weeks. In fact they may well become worse. Prepare for the possibility of nausea, and again, there is very effective medication.

Most importantly, keep coming back here. If you have questions, ask away. Someone will have an answer for you. It may not be the scientific, medical answer, but it will be based on real-life experience from someone who's been there and really understands.

If nothing else, let us know how you're doing. If you need to moan an complain, there are a lot of good listeners here.
Take care, much luck and stay positive!
Wayne