@toleolu sounds like you and I are in the same exact spot. I just finished two weeks, with four and half to go….my mouth is definitely undergoing some changes, dry of course, the metallic taste, all of it. No appetite, have lost 8lbs or so…feeding tube to be placed on Wednesday so hopefully I can turn the weight loss around. I can’t help but think about how much worse this is going to get in the next 6 weeks. Like you, I never had any health issues until this HPV deal….it still doesn’t seem real, but it is:(
Just know - you’re not alone. Please keep in touch on here so we can “compare notes”….

@toleolu

I had exactly same diagnosis and treatment and had just turned 69. Yes, the first few weeks After treatment are the hardest, but totally doable. It’s really just mind numbing fatigue with dry mouth, food that either tastes like nothing or tastes bad, but don’t fret as you won’t have any appetite anyway! Eating can actually become a chore but it too will improve. You will handle simple foods best, like peanut butter. Keep your humor and drink lots of Boost High Calorie (vanilla is best) Try about 3-4 a day and potentially avoid feeding tube (I did). Don’t worry about things and get the rest you need! For exercise I simply walked to mailbox ( only about 100’) several times a day. Strength and stamina will return, but it’s a marathon not a sprint. Mayo suggested a regimen of ginseng, but only products from Wisconsin as it’s pure.

Biotene or Act are both good dry mouth products. Sleeping with a mouth guard (upper only) has helped generate more saliva while sleeping and seems to avoid need for lozenges! Dry mouth probably 90% good at 2 years out! You got this! Just like eating an elephant, one bite at a time!!