Just wanted to give you guys an update. 18th rad treatment done today and Dan saw the RO. I wasn't with him, due to a conflict that couldn't be changed. I sent him off with a typed list of questions and symptom summary, etc. Because as I've mentioned before he is horrible at communication. I said worst case - just hand my note to the nurse :-).
He lost 5 pounds this week and they were not thrilled. His choking mucous is getting really really bad, nothing new to suggest for that. You guys have recommended a humidifier and as yet I haven't been able to talk stubborn hubby into using it, but he said he wants to try it tonight. His taste buds are basically non-existent, nothing new to suggest for that and the RO told him it was likely they would never recover, based on how fast they have gone and how much treatment is yet to come. He occasionaly mentions pain and nausea, but usually it looks as if he's "grinning & bearing" it. I can't tell if he's being stubborn, if he's worried about the drowsiness the meds cause (then he couldn't drive) or if the pain is bad, but he has a high-tolerance. I am assuming when it gets bad enough he will let me know. He has no mouth sores yet - knock on wood - so I assume that is part of why the pain is not horrible. He does need his food to be soft and he drinks hot tea for soothing and he doesn't like to talk much. He is so hoarse it is hard for anyone to understand except in person. Since his radiation is directly to his salivary gland the RO has has him on Pilocarpine (Salagen) 4x/day since the beginning. RO told him to discontinue that medicine. Not totally clear why, but based on what I have read about the "not so common" side effects, I think that is why. I will verify tomorrow via e-mail. Hubby has not had complaints of dry mouth and I was crediting that to the Pilocarpine... if that is correct then I'll assume the dry mouth will start in a day or so.
Dan is still eating more than I imagined he would with no taste. I told him today I was really proud of him and he said he's afraid if he doesn't eat he won't be able to fight as well. I will enjoy that attitude for as long as possible.

He asked the doctor was this how it was going to be from now on and of course the doc said no - it would be worse and even though I've tried to prepare for what is to come, he was still surprised today to hear that. I imagine he'll be a little more depressed tonight.

I am trying to be very positive and supportive, but more in the matter of fact positive style - not the "poor baby" style. He seems pleased so far with my handling of things and is always saying nice things to me and giving me hugs. It is so hard to watch him through this and not be able to help him - it just makes your heart ache and your stomach goes in knots. And then you realize that what you feel is nothing remotely close to what he's going throug.

Sorry this was so long.