NY, I totally agree with what Brian has described about radiation. They can map out and pinpoint treatment for radiation to a T. It is not haphazard at all. My cancers have all been on the right side (tongue, gum area, and neck), but I also received a lesser amount of radiation to the left side of my mouth. So I received radiation to my entire mouth even though I had no involvement of cancer to the left side. My radiation oncologist was very careful in mapping out my treatment to avoid my losing too much of my salivary glands which does cause dry mouth and can make it easier to have problems with your teeth later, but I've lost 4 teeth- total-due to the cancer showing up on my gum area-2nd and 4th surgeries. I did lose my taste for a while. I think I was able to really begin tasting food more normally about 4 months after my treatment (finished mid Oct. 2005). My mouth and throat aren't as dry any more either. I do use a fluoride gel weekly now. It was more often at first. My doctor didn't recommend radiation until my third surgery when the lump was removed from my neck with one lymph node involved. But I already had a neck dissection in my first surgery to check lymph nodes, so that wasn't anything new to me. As far as the physical affects of the radiation, again, a good radiation oncologist will stay on top of this. My dr. was very careful about the effects. Yes, I did have to stop radiation for about a week because of burns to my neck area, but I know my doctors advised the radiation in my best interest. And I must say that after I completed my course, my neck healed very quickly. I realize the extent of radiation treatments and the after effects are different for each person. But, in my experience, that didn't prevent me from having another cancer occur on my gum and yet a fourth surgery. I have no regrets whatsoever in having had the radiation, though.

Some talk of having chemo with their radiation. My doctors and the tumor board did not advise this for me, one of them coming from MD Anderson in Texas. With the information we had before us, my husband and I were completely at peace with that advice. I realize, too, that your mother's cancer is stage I.

Let me please be clear in my mentioning glyconutrients that I'm not using them in place of anything that my doctor would advise in my best interest. I've come to realize that for me, my immune system definitely needs a boost and this is the nutritional supplement of choice for me. I have done extensive research and am most comfortable using this supplement. As it may not be the choice for some, it is a source of hope for my body fighting this cancer, and I am compelled to share it with others and to encourage research...never to just take my word for it.

I hope the testimony of my experience helps answer some of your questions.

Cathy