Hi Deb and T I have had two rounds of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, it might help T understand what happens at planning if he is having radiotherapy on the throat/neck they normally fit you with a mask so that they can align the treatment , when you first start there is no pain , it depends on how long the treatment and the strength of the beams but I found the first two weeks where not a problem it was after that I started having trouble with eating and my neck was starting to blister, you can only use sorbelene cream but the nurses can give you soaks before and after treatment but it's important that you let the staff know how you are going. I was okay to work but during the last weeks took the time off as it was better for me , T doctor should be able to work out the work plan , as for getting tired this occurred later as well so I had naps in the afternoon , as I planned my treatment for first thing in the morning I would go to bed early, the staff will give you tips about mouth washes etc , and he should see the dietian for help to , as it's important that he keeps his weight up. During the treatment I just heard the machine clicking noise and each session does not last long it's more getting the positioning right for the best treatment. Hoe this helps T if he or you have more questions I am happy to share , best wishes Rod ... View more

Hi karo when I was having treatment and could not swallow I hit the dairy section of the supermarket so I had lots of yogurts and thick puddings like Milo etc . I also had stewed fruits not that I think it was healthy it was the the only thing that I could swallow . I really was not to keen on the sustagen stuff but found adding ice cream and a topping it was okay ..... Feel for you as it's a real challenge but you will get there ,,,,,,,, ... View more

Hi karo when I was having treatment and could not swallow I hit the dairy section of the supermarket so I had lots of yogurts and thick puddings like Milo etc . I also had stewed fruits not that I think it was healthy it was the the only thing that I could swallow . I really was not to keen on the sustagen stuff but found adding ice cream and a topping it was okay ..... Feel for you as it's a real challenge but you will get there ,,,,,,,, ... View more

I am so sorry and I can understand the subject title !!!!!! I agree give your son a hug kids make things brighter but it's a tough battle for you and feel free to vent here we all in someway are connected by this horrific disease. Take care Rod ... View more

Hi Silly -hopefully it will be nothing I had a ultra sound needle biopsy on my lymph glands which turned out positive then treated with surgery and radiation therapy but that was in October last year and I am doing fine back at work etc . Hope all goes well for you ,,,, ... View more

Hi while I was having treatment and unable to work I run out of all leave I filed out all the forms with my Dr signing where necessary went to centerlink I was told quite directly that I was entitled to nothing ... As I was worried about medication cost etc I asked about a health care card and was told I was not even entitled to that . So the help I got was nothing !!!!! Luckily I had a supportive employer who advanced leave credits and now I am in pay back mode now at least it did not add to my worry ,,,,, It seems that centerlink policies can do with a real shake up starting from the government who has no emphapy or commonsence in the circumstances ........ ... View more

Hi Seal -go with the screams - it sounds like the best thing when the Drs told me I had a secondly cancer and I required major surgery to remove the lymph nodes in my neck then more radiation therapy -and it was missed the first time I was so angry I lost it with just about all the Drs not that I was rude but I was shaking from the anger I felt and its taken me awhile to let it go -so when you feel the need go scream girl !,,,,, Tae care Rod ... View more

Hi Dave. Just been busy trying to get on with things , went back to work two weeks ago and it's pretty full on , I go back and see radiation occologist this frid bit nervous as I have had an ear infection and sore throat that just does not want to clear despite the antibiotics but I guess it will be all okay. Let you know how i get on take care Rod ... View more

So sorry for your lost it's so hard when we lose our loved ones - I live my life knowing that people that I have loved and lost some part of them will always stay with me !!! Take care Rod ... View more