Ellen - Too bad your docs didn't press the need for a peg tube. I was told that the body's need for nutrition doubles/triples during treatment. Also the need for hydration triples. Some folks seem to think that a milkshake or two during treatment will carry them through. Body weight is NOT the issue during treatment - calorie and fluid intact IS the issue.

Cancer treatment is NOT an opportunity to lose a few pounds. Even mild treatment regimes put enormous stress on every part of the body. Without newly supplied fuel (nutrition and fluids) the body has no means to fight. Only small amounts of body fat can be converted to this important battle, and only very slowly - in no event fast enough to help the body fight the treatment. It is my opinion that going into treatment, even low level treatment, for oral cancers without a peg tube is irresponsible - borderng on negligent.

Many of the symptoms you describe could be partially or entirely nutrition related. More calories and more fluids might dramatically reduce every thing you describe.

My advice: Go be a tough guy or a weight watcher after treatment is over and you want to spend 6 weeks fasting at the ashram. Cancer patients are in a fight for their lives - even when the cancer is small and local. Each and every thing you do to help the fight increaes your chances of a good outcome. Eat more - 3600 calories per day - (one way or another) and cut symptoms in half. Drink more fluids - 2-3 liters per day - and cut symptoms in half again. Excess suffering in treatment is optional. Get your calories up to 3600/day and your fluids up to 3L/day and if you don't feel a bunch better - I'll buy lunch.