hello again Michelle,
I had IMRT and it did cover both sides of my neck however a majority of the radiation was directed on the side of my primary site and the one lymph node that was involved. IMRT seems to be the prefered treatment that spares much of the surrounding tissues like taste buds and saliva glands, even though these things can be effected by IMRT Ihave been told that it is minimal as compared to general radiation. I still had some issues with taste and saliva but I do not think that they are permanent. I finished my radiation on DEC. 16 of last year (2005) and I have about 80% of my taste back and about 50% of my saliva and I am sure that it is going to get better. My cancer was in my right tonsil and had spread to 1 lymph node, I know that your moms is different so her field of radiation will be different than mine the main reason for using IMRT is to focus the radiation in a very concentrated area and to minimze radiation to non cancerous areas, thus lessening side effects and potential quality of life issues down the road. I for one am glad that i had IMRT and although I am not 100% sure I think that the side effects issues will continue to improve. Although I am sometimes impatient I must always remind my self that all of this stuff is not 6 months behind me yet.
Michelle I hope that this answers some small part of your questions and I am sorry for just rambling on. Good luck my dear, your mom is lucky to have you in her corner, now come out swinging. always lenny