@bebarb10
I am so sorry you are going through this. Yes, it is hard! I am just about 4 months post chemoradiation and 1 month cancer free. HPV SCC base of tongue/tonsil. You'll learn the shorthand soon, but we all have done our time with daily radiation and weekly cisplatin. My experience is best described in thirds- 1/3 treatment for 6-7 weeks; the next 1/3 healing from the treatment; and the last 1/3 putting back the pieces of life- it will never be the same and that's okay.
What got me throught it:
First Third:
Palliative Care (see my earlier posts) though I didn't have a lot of pain, they did help SO much with figuring out the right medication for me.
This forum (for the details of what to expect- and answers to most of the questions about what my body was doing)
Second Third: Palliative Care was essential and helped with fatique and skin problems. I lost way too much weight in weeks 4-7. My care team recommended a G-tube post radiation. I really struggled with hydration and nutrition and I'm not quite sure what the best way forward would have been. I had a really hard time with with G-tube causing pain from granulation tissue and nausea from the formula- Kate Farms. After a few weeks and several trips to see a nurse to care for granulation tissue, I insisted they remove the tube. I lost 30 lbs (about 1/3 of my body weight).
Third Third: I am now cancer free and skinny as a rail! Like many folx on this forum, I have a dietician, and a speech pathologist helping with swallowing. I'm really amazed at how much my swallowing and taste have improved. This part of the journey seems to be the hardest. I am depressed (and take anti-depressants). My mouth seems fine for a couple of weeks and then gets raw and sore. Every 2-3 weeks I crash with a low grade fever, body aches and fatigue. Then I have an amazing burst of energy and feel great for a couple of weeks.
I hope you find comfort in all your are reading. Everyone's journey is different. I HATED hearing that in the first 2/3s of the journey, but now I understand. Peace be with you and I will pray for your healing.