little side effects w/chemo- worried about radiation

my dad has finished his last chemo w/little side effects and i am so proud of him -he will start radiation after getting tongue depressor and mask-what do my mom and i have ahead of us?

ssc base of tongue 4   the chemo has done great as far as shrinking the lymph nodes in neck- they have not mentioned a feed tube as he has not lost much weight-do you suggest one for a healthy 57 yr old who has a lot of fight in him?

thanks to all of you -i would rather have advise from someone who has been there rather than just drs

Hi

First I'd like to suggest that you go to head and neck cancer board......it is far more active than this one.

We have plenty of information on there.....................some of it might frighten you and your dad...............use the information in stages if it helps.

I am a healthy 63 year old.................didn't have chemo (surgery on neck to remove lymph glands instead).  I am 5 weeks out from radiation.......and I feel great. I may be the exception, not the rule.........but everyone reacts differently.  I did not have a feeding tube; I've lost 30 pounds and still am not back to normal eating.  I have some taste buds back; my mouth is still fairly dry.

Your dad has an unpleasant journey ahead..........none of us will sugar coat it for you.  Read all the suggestions on the site...............and ask questions along the way.

Best of luck to you all...........God Bless!

Steph