Hi David,

Wow, I'm really impressed that you are using this amazing resource!!! I'm a caretaker, mom of a 4 year old, and pediatrician...of all the resources that have helped me understand the healing process the folks here have been amazing..

So sorry you've been through so much...now to feel more comfortable...

First just to give you a general idea about our experience...My husband had and still has a good deal of pain after radiation which is improving in distinct increments. He had tonsilar SCC, T2N2, rad neck, chemo and radiation finished radiation 6/28/04...Now he is really exhausted at times and the pain comes and goes. He is a vice dean at a local univ so talking and attending meetings and working on the computer are actually "strenuous" for the head and neck muscles...eating is tough...thank goodness for gravy...he did had a g-tibe, but hated it (couldn't pick up our 4 year old, then 3 year old cuddle bug)...so it was removed in August and he lost about 25 pounds...but is holding steady for the last few weeks thanks to BOOST (which he HATED at first and GRAVY)

Very gentle massage and stretching seem to help...deep massage and vigouous stretching or pushing himself...Does NOT!!! At 5 months post radiation getting into a project such as cleaning the basement for an hour feels good, but he gets very sore and tired the next day...Eating still hurts ... and swallowing in the AM is tough...Oh and he too takes NSAIDS daily...which help a little bit

I notice every 3 weeks a good jump in what he is able to do, but somedays he feels just totally wiped... he keeps saying..."I don't know why I'm so tired..."

I'm so impressed by his strength and yours ... healing from radiation seems to need gentle and steady, steady pace to feel better...

I hope this is a little helpful...and have a peaceful Thanksgiving Day...

Take care,
Sara