@bttrfly I understand. I can't account for why your sister's radiation oncologist has left her so unprepared as she begins treatment, but what I can suggest is that she or you requests an appointment with her oncologist's physican's assistant (or nurse practitioner, whatever resources the office has) so that you ask questions, cover the bases, primarily about side effects and how best to prevent or mitigate them. Be sure you ask about things like mucositis, potential long-term effects of radiation to the throat (lymphedema, etc.), setting you up with speech pathology for swallowing exercises and monitoring and anything you can think of. I'm convinced that I did so well through treatment because I spent 90 minutes with the PA going over every detail and "worst that can happen" scenario, and because I determined to be 100% compliant with all instructions. But you have to have comprehensive information and instuctions before you can determine how to be compliant. Sending all warmth and good wishes to you and your sister.