@justwow I am just over a month out from 5.5 weeks of proton and chemo for T2-N1-M0 HPV16+ SCC of the left tonsil.

Just getting my sense of taste back a bit now. That (and the throat pain) were the worst side effects. Eating was almost impossible. I narrowly dodged the PEG feeding tube after losing nearly 20 lbs.

As far as scarring goes, once radiation stopped I did develop a very painful radiation burn on my neck (expected). It was like a bad second degree sunburn (blistering from my jawline to my collar bone). That’s mosly healed now, but could leave some minor scarring. Too soon to tell.

All in all, it was a rough experience, but I have an exclamation prognosis (~90% cure rate). Very pleased I chose proton over photon and Mayo Rochester in particular.

Good luck!