Hi Gordon,

The good news is you are probably past the worst feeling time in your treatment! The worst effects of radiation should start fading soon. I also lost some sense of taste which returned within a month or two after treatments ended. Swelling is indeed a normal part of the procedures but check in with your doctors any time you don't like what is happening. You might try sleeping with extra pillows or a board under your mattress tilted so your head is several inches higher. The swelling also gets better with time as lymph fluids find new pathways past the surgery area.

I also have off and on again problems with yeast (thrush) infections. I don't get white patches instead I start getting a burning sensation from acid or spicy foods. This goes away quickly with a Nystatin prescription liquid (I think is for children) These kind of infections are fairly common and diminish over time as your body gets used to the changes in saliva quantity and PH balance.

Saliva quantity is the bad news...I thankfully, have gotten some back but not nearly enough to eat like I used to. I find milk works really well as a saliva substitute when eating and I also use Biotene mouthwash to wet my mouth. Water just doesn't seem wet enough to do it (although you should still drink a lot of water!)

keep up a positive attitude and try to get your body moving it helps alot.

Don't be afraid to ask more questions.