Hi SGray,

Parotid gland malignancy is not very common. You are very correct when you say a massive operation its quite daunting to the unprepared. I am assuming he also had a radical neck dissection?

The field of treatment means some teeth have to go as the radiotherapy would affect these teeth and can cause problems in the future.

The throat area does become very dry & sore making eating a mission and a half.He will probably manage to eat soft moist foods for the first few weeks then have to go onto the PEG feeding by mid way.

There are some blow by blow accounts of the journey been written by Anchor 1707 also Radioactiveraz. They both had cancer of the tonsil with spread to the lymph nodes in neck. Their treatment journey was the same as your dad is about to embark on,so it would serve you well to read up on them. Both lovely helpful people.

Your dad will be feeling very apprehensive,as he is going into this phase of treatment knowing nothing about it or what to expect. Be strong and support him,tell him there is light at the end of all this.

We are all cancer patients or family of,and are always here if you need to chat.

Take care and all the best on this journey. xx