I just started radiation, what kind of side effects should I expect as

I said my morning prayers during my radiation. I used CeraVe cream during radiation. At the end I used Aquaphor for a few weeks and then back to CeraVe. Make sure you are doing your stretches to keep your neck muscles flexible and avoid fibrosis. Baking soda rinses helped soothe my dry mouth and throat. My favorite treat was tapioca pudding made in my crock pot. I found the recipe on Pinterest. You are in my prayers.

I have no saliva from tongue cancer.
I could not speak or swallow during post radiation.
I needed a G Tube to get proper nutrition.
I do sample with coarse foods; eating bits n bites.
HNC is the third most painful cancer.
That's where I am at.

@sandy8043
Your routine is similar to the one I used for my journey.
Can’t stress enough how important it is to do exercises for your neck and swallowing muscles. It has helped me recover faster than if I hadn’t (I finished radiation treatment mid December for hpv tongue and lymph node cancer).
Currently going to acupuncture (1x/week),practicing deep breathing techniques and lymphatic massage.
Dry mouth is still an issue (especially at night) but has improved since ending radiation treatment.
Overall almost five months later I am able to see much improvement on all aspects of my life and expect that I will continue to get better as time continues to pass.
The road to recovery isn’t easy and recovery is a “two steps forward and one step backward” process…but stay strong,stay positive and do the little things everyday that set you up for long term success! You can do this!!👍

Thank you for the encouragement, I try to work a few hrs a day, can't get in much more than that. I am constantly moving my neck and using my left arm,which is a chore upon itself. The dry mouth is bothersome but manageable. It's my lack of wanting to eat that is the most troublesome.

@sandy8043 thank you Sandy I have the baking soda rinse along with others to keep my mouth moist. I can only eat 1-2 spoon fulls of anything I eat. I work about 15 hrs a week because that's all I can handle at the moment.
I just want this to be over already but it's nothing I can't handle because God gives us that promise. So I'm just keeping my eyes on Him.

@albion223 two things that help with my dry mouth at night....one I wear a compression wrap on my head. And two...I used Xylimelts mints. They stick on you gum and keep your mouth moist all night. Some folks wear them all day, too. They worked great for me. You can get them on Amazon or at Walmart.

@alberth
I lost 20lbs during radiation treatment and had not much of an appetite during the latter stages of treatment. Drank smoothies with ice cream for calories and tried my best to eat something to keep weight loss to a minimum. I think everyone experiences a lack of appetite at some point, between physical symptoms and the mental stress that comes with cancer recovery it no wonder why one’s appetite suffers.
Biotene mouthwash and two Xylimelt tablets were a big help in combating dry mouth symptoms during and after radiation. As my saliva has slowly increased I’m doing a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and one Xylimelt tablet at bedtime (otherwise symptoms are manageable during the day). The extra virgin olive oil has poly phenols that are good for your immune system and coats the mouth and throat.
You will get better…

Thank you
Never of the olive oil.
I lost desire to eat about 1 week into treatment. But I do force myself to eat something everyday. Also drink a lot of protein drinks. I will try adding ice cream to my smoothies

I went through 35 radiations for thyroid/trachea.
You can use the search function for posts on your specific topic.
Research liquid diets. Make sure your protein drink is fully nutritious. I used Kate Farms which is complete nutrition.
Keep your body strong. Do chair exercises if you lack energy.
You can do this. One day at a time.

I'm sorry you have to go through all of this. Many people here have exceptional ideas on how to deal with the treatment. I'm 20 years out from HNC, so I'm a bit outdated with what I went through. There was little information to help me through the experience, but I managed. I can only offer encouragement as there can be life beyond the suffering you are experiencing. Give it time and yourself grace. Good luck!