Your tips for recovery after 35 radiation treatments for tonsil cancer

@dragonfire it is a challenge to maintain one's spirit in such trying times. It will get better but give yourself the grace to accept the changes at the pace your body needs. Everyone is different. By the way, gravy is your friend. I've drank countless gallons of water to flush food down in the past 2 decades, but a meal with gravy always makes it easier.

Swiss Chalet Chicken Gravy in a can & Costco gravy is so delicious

My first meals breakfast sausage, small pancakes smothered in butter and maple syrup.
Keep trying new foods because it can change monthly. I also incorporated sea salt and salmon seasoning on everything including my coffee. I also discovered sautéed onions and mushrooms are very satisfying for me.
Each time I could add a food it was a moment of pure thankfulness and gratitude.
Hope this helps.
You got this!

@zenren14

Sounds good I will give it a try. I managed pot roast with carrots, potatoes and gravy last night from the crock pot.

@m3rcury

You just had to say syrup and you won me over I am all in for trying. I managed pot roast with carrot, potatoes and gravy last night and that was a big win.

@56tburd

I was able to manage pot roast with carrots, potatoes and gravy last night, that was a big win for me.

@dragonfire wahoo!

I am apprehensive and excited all rolled into one. I tried macaroni, spaghetti sauce, shredded cheese and gobbled it up like I was over the moon and I don't wanna comeback!

I too had 35 radiation treatments for HPV positive tonsil cancer at stage 1. I completed my treatment Jan 17, 2025. During treatment I became so weak from not eating, my doctor decided I needed a feeding tube. I had the feeding tube in for three months before it was removed. I started by drinking protein shakes every day.
I slowly added foods that would go down “easy”. I eventually got to the point that I could eat regular food however it takes me longer to eat a meal. Were you given any neck stretch exercises? I found the neck stretch exercises helped get my muscles back to the point I could swallow solid food.
It’ll take a while for your taste buds to return. I still don’t think all my taste buds are back to normal, but I continue to eat regardless to keep up my strength. I was recently diagnosed with CIC sarcoma and I’m waiting on what my treatment plan will be in the meantime I continue to force myself to eat in preparation for the treatment I will receive for my recent cancer diagnosis.
Did they recommend fluoride toothpaste and or fluoride trays?

I unfortunately am part of your group and am glad to be alive after my 35 radiation and 5 chemo treatments. I feel fortunate that I’m leading a pretty complete life. My treatments were over 15 years ago now. Currently I am dealing with a left arm that has become pretty much inoperable. After extensive scans and neurology tests the apparent consensus is that the Radiation treatments has had the unfortunate side effect of nerve damage. I’ve completed several months of physical therapy but have seen no improvement in arm function and the several doctors that I’ve seen don’t have any suggestions for possible improvement. I can’t be the only one dealing with this side effect of my treatment so I thought I’d reach out here to inquire if others have dealt with this and what if anything they’ve done that helped them regain use of their arm. I’m scheduled to start some acupuncture this coming week. I have my fingers crossed that turns out to be my miracle.