Talking about pain management, I think I am much luckier than some of you here. I did not suffer from great pain throughout or after radiation since my oncologist prescribed pain meds right from the beginning. When I could swallow, I just took panadol tablets and in the middle when swallowing was difficult, I took morphine and panadol in syrup form. And there were two types of gargle for mouthwashing before meals to make me feel better so that I could take the food more easily. The real pain I had was during the last few radiation treatments when my left neck was burnt and bruised and still they had to tighten my neck up with the mask on for about 10 minutes. I couldn't scream because I lost my voice already. I shed tears in silence.
Dan, don't get indulged in the worst scenario that you heard from others. Things may not be as bad as you imagine!

Karen stage 4 tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/01.