Take a DEEP, DEEP breath, Gordon.

Now. First off, it was Amy who contributed that beautiful and moving poem.

Secondly, IMRT isn't worth the emotional energy you are expending worrying about it. Not exactly a piece of cake, but certainly not the most difficult thing you will encounter in your life. I had it. I got burned. I healed. I had thick, wallpaper paste saliva. It stopped. I had sores in my mouth. They healed. And Gordon, I can spit! I can lick envelopes, and I do not have to carry a water bottle. There are millions of people who would trade you and me for the option of being able to have saliva, so do not for one second forget how fortunate you are! It is natural to be nervous, but please, please know you can get through this and come out the other end to resume your active life. In the larger view, this will be just a few weeks out of your entire life. It will pass quickly. It is something you opt to do so you CAN resume your normal life. Be thankful that it is available to you and know that there will always be support here from those of us who have gone before you. When you start to spiral out of control, just STOP and take a deep breath and say "if that woman can do it, I can too" (grin).
Joanna