My initial surgery involved a select neck dissection, but while part of the parotid salivary gland was removed for involvement in tumor, the regional lymph nodes were all clear at that time. With positive lymph nodes the surgery might be more extensive than mine was. Radiation followed a month later with a targeted therapy infusion weekly to sensitize the tumor to radiation. I had no real issues with that part of the surgery other than a partially dry mouth which has worsened with time ( 10 years have passed). Radiation caused skin rash and mouth ulceration and big changes to my taste sense. I did not have a feeding tube because I was always able to swallow soft foods and liquids. Have any dental issues addressed prior to radiation with a knowledgable dentist. Mine was not. There was a mixture of Maalox and benadryl and an antifungal called Magic Mouthwash from the oncologist at Univ. of MI which was dispensed and helped with mouth pain. There is also a topical oral lidocaine gel to use for mouth pain. You can lose a lot of weight during the 7 weeks of radiation, but healing starts right away once it is stopped. It takes a months for taste to return to a new normal. There are many remedies available for dry mouth and I continue to find more solutions. Staying hydrated is so important during and after so drinking electrolyte solutions and water helps. I did need IV fluids toward the end of radiation as it was hot summer and I was also nauseated from the chemotherapy. Best of luck to you. I'm glad you can enjoy the holiday before all of this treatment begins.