I have just joined this site so let me introduce myself. I am 58 and retired. Three years ago I was diagnosed with leukoplakia on my tongue. I went to an ENT twice a year to have it checked out. But last November I had developed a sore spot on the side of my tongue. I had it biopsied by the ENT and it came back as a SCC. I had surgery on Feb 1 for a partial glossectomy. The margins were clear but it was so close to a nerve he thought I should go through radiation. The Dr presented my case to the tumor board and they all recommended radiation. So I started radiation in March and am still in process until May 8. Tough going but am almost done.

Welcome to OCF, Denise! Im glad you have found our site! Thank you so much for making a signature so quickly!!!! Thats a huge help in helping us to better help you.

Being in the middle/end of rads, you picked a very good time to join. Most patients begin to notice rads isnt a walk in the park anywhere from week 3-5. The closer the end becomes, the more difficult. Rads is progressive, becoming harder as time goes on. Even when patients finish radiation it continues to work making it a rough go for may.

Losing weight is something doctors frown upon while patients are going thru rads, even if the patient have many pounds they can lose. With only a few pounds lost shows the doc the patient is not taking in enough calories which will become a big problem down the road. The very best thing you can do to get thru rads with as little side effects as possible is to focus on your intake as much as possible. Every single day take in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you are able to push yourself to take more in, 3000/3500 calories daily are not too much. The extra calories will help make it as easy as possible. I know its not easy, I struggled greatly and went thru a few hospitalizations due to malnutrition and dehydration. Thats why I warn (some would say I nag... LOL!) patients about the importance of their intake.

If you find you are having trouble taking in enough water every day, talk to your doc. The doc can write a prescription so you can get extra hydration to help you avoid dehydration. When you go in for extra fluids, you will be amazed at how much better you feel walking out afterwards. Its like a couple bags of fluids makes patients instantly perk right back up. Ask your doc to make the prescription an open one so if you feel lousy and know your fluid intake is too low you can go in anytime you need to boost your liquid intake.

Let me know if you need the list of easy to eat foods. These foods have a smoother texture and are a bit bland so they wont irritate sensitive mouths.