Starting to eat again can be hard as food does and will taste different (everyone has different taste changes). I started back on thick liquids about a week after treatment and was back on solids by week 3 and had my PEG removed. It took about 6months for me to get back 90% of my taste back. Spicy foods can be a problem as I am now very sensitive and I can no longer drink wine or spirits as the high alcohol content burns. I found that some foods would be horrible one week but a fortnight later they would be fine. It is all trial and error. I understand the nervousness regarding your PET scan (known as scanxiety) and there is not much to do to alleviate it. Try to keep busy and not let your mind dwell on it. Surgery isn't that bad been there twice. Stay positive and concentrate on your eating and stretching. ... View more

Jay-Cee, I have had two lots of H&N cancer over the last 2 years. My first was primary tumour of the floor of mouth that required a radial forearm flap graft and a selective bilateral neck dissection and temporary tracheostomy. I didn't have chemo or radiation. ^ months later I had a stage 4 recurrence in my level 4 right anterior neck whch required a radical neck dissection. I had 35 rads and 6 rounds of chemo (cisplatin) as a follow up and have been cancer free since Dec 2013. I had a PEG for my radiation but I maintained as much oral hydration as possible. The worst side effect (for me) was the mucositis (thick ropey mucous) that was very difficult to expel and impossible to swallow without vomiting. I found a mix of soda water and citrus (I used pink grapefruit)was best for loosening and breaking it down, you will need to experiment with the mix as the citrus can burn an irradiated mouth. I also tried to have smoothies and milkshakes with protein powder to boost my calorific intake. Be aware that the sense of taste will be severely affected by the radiation and it can take 6 months or more for it to return and not always completely. Temperature of food and drink is crucial as well as the sensitivity levels in the mouth go through the roof. There is a lot of trial and error in working out what works and doesn't and I have no doubt that your Dad will get cranky and upset but remember he doesn't mean it and it is not personal (I apologised every day to my wife and thanked her every second). Talking will become difficult in the latter stages of the radiotherapy as his mouth becomes sore but will improve 2 to 3 weeks after treatment finishes. Best of luck to you and your Dad and remain positive you can get through this. Cheers Alex ... View more

G'day Mahootna, I too am a survivor of SCC, except mine was floor of mouth, I had a resection with a flap from my forearm to replace the deficit in March 2013 with no chemo or radiation needed. I had a lymph node recurrence in Sept 2013 which was treated by a right side radical neck dissection followed by 6 rounds of chemo and 33 rads. I finished treatment 23/12 and am recovering well. I am just about on a full diet but some foods are harder than others due to lack of saliva (thanks radiation). I lost 34kgs during treatment and would have been more if I didn't have a PEG tube. Send me a message if you want to chat. Cheers Alex ... View more