I feel I need to jump in to re-emphasize that having XRT does not always mean permanent quality-of-life issues. When I had radiation 16 years ago, conventional radiation was my only option (and given my diagnosis, I still think it was probably a good idea). I did have major dry mouth issues for many months afterward, but with a combination of medication and Biotene products, they have lessened substantially over time, to the point where they have relatively little impact on my eating or speaking.

Case in point: Last weekend I was out at dinner with a bunch of my in-laws at a Mexican restaurant where I've been before. I recommended that they all try the stuffed jalapeno peppers that I've come to enjoy. Everyone else at the table said they were much too hot, so I was left to eat all of them by myself!

Cathy