Donnjean, Mark here, I want to tell you you are doing great! For me the radiation effects your asking about happened to me and went on for a long time. I'm wondering if anyone has suggested that Johnny elevate his head and sholders with a board under the mattress (2 to 4 inches is wht I did)? I did this and it helped with swelling quite a bit. some of the swelling is probably lymph that has not figgured out how to flow out since the surgery. The extra tilt of elevating his head will help with the flow.

I agree big time with the idea of staying "in motion" and the motion does not have to be hard excercise. just a slow walk at a favorite park or a trip to a museum...what ever. It has a positive effect on the mind as well. I found humor to be very helpful. The mind is the best place for healing to start and one of the hardest to keep on track.

As for food, my wife kind of struggled with that too. I actually started to make myself blender meals. If you haven't tried that you'd be suprised what works in a blender! There is not a single food that won't work in a blender. Sure you have to get used to the new texture but the taste can still be there. I personally blendered such foods as steak (grilled first), an entire double whopper with cheese (close your eyes for that one it tasted great however), An entire salad, bacon and eggs (fried first)... just add enough milk to get it to go. Beyond that there is no end to the fortified smoothie type drinks: try one banana, one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1/2 to 1 cup oatmeal (not cooked), a spoon or two of yogurt, some high protein powder (available at most health food stores) fresh fruits and a 1/4 cup of walnuts are optional add milk if needed. you can play with this recipie all you want. The important thing is to get extra good nutrition into Johnny because the various treatments cause the body to use up many stored nutrients.

Last, I still need more sleep than I used to. My suggestion is don't worry (good advice for anything) but keep your eye out for the depression thing.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.