Hi

I'm 7 weeks post Radiotherapy on head and neck following a total Thyroidectomy and level 6 neck dissection in December. Overall I've coped pretty well with all of the side effects,and to be fair to the support staff (all of whom have been unbelievably helpful by the way) warned me the side effects would get worse and it would be 2-4 weeks before things get better. I suppose being a man I didn't listen, but I can't believe I still feel so weak so long after the completion of the treatment.

The other main issue is the painful swallowing . I'm trying to eat solid food now and not rely so much on supplements and in the main I'm managing, but I have to make sure the food is almost paste like, and even then it can still hurt if it's anything bigger than say a teaspoonful.

I still take paracetamol and Oramorph once or twice a day but I don't want to continue to take this. I want to start feeling like my oldself. How long should I expect to feel this way? I still have no real taste and low saliva, but I can live with that. It's the weakness and pain which is getting me down to a point where I believe its verging on depression. Normally , and throughout this illness, up to now my outlook has been really positive.

I'm due to have radio Iodine in 6 weeks and would really hope these symptoms have reduced by then. Any comments would be very welcome.