The first 6 months were the worst regarding pain and adapting to the feeding tube. Unable to eat because of the effects radiation had on my throat. I had the highest amount of radiation that my doctor would allow so apparently the effect was equally significant. I lost 65 lbs so I needed to increase my protein intake thru the tube. I have other side effects BUT as of today, I am cancer free in the area that had been detected for cancer. Thanks for asking:)