Side Effects are Real

Cancer treatment isn’t a walk in the park—unless that park is uphill, in the rain, and someone forgot to pack snacks. But knowing what’s ahead helps you prepare, adjust expectations, and tackle each phase with confidence (and occasionally a well-timed dad joke).

Every person’s experience is different, but here’s what many patients encounter during HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treatment.

Radiation works hard, and sometimes your body feels the impact.

• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
  As radiation irritates the throat, even soft foods can feel like a challenge. Smoothies may become your new best friend.
• Dry mouth
  Radiation can affect the salivary glands, leading to dryness that makes talking, eating, and sleeping less comfortable.
• Changes in taste
  Favorites like pizza, coffee, or barbecue might temporarily taste like disappointment. Most taste returns gradually after treatment ends.
• Skin irritation in the treatment area
  Think mild sunburn rather than “I fell asleep on the beach again.”
• Fatigue
  This is the universal—and usually stubborn—side effect. It tends to build over the course of treatment.

Many radiation-related symptoms improve in the weeks and months after treatment. Your care team will also give you tools to manage discomfort as it comes.

Chemo is the team player helping radiation do its best work, but it has its own set of effects.

• Nausea
  Medication can help, but keeping small snacks on hand (and avoiding questionable gas-station sushi) goes a long way.
• Lowered immunity
  Chemo can temporarily reduce white blood cells, making infections more likely. Think of this as a season of washing your hands like it’s your new hobby.
• Mouth sores
  These can make eating uncomfortable, but your care team will guide you on prevention and relief.
• Fatigue (yes, more of it)
  Chemo fatigue plus radiation fatigue = an excellent excuse to nap whenever you feel like it.
   

Chemotherapy schedules often include recovery breaks, and many side effects fade after treatment is completed.

Not everyone undergoes surgery, but for those who do:

• Tenderness or swelling in the neck
• Sore throat or stiffness
• Temporary difficulty moving the neck or jaw
• Short-term dietary adjustments

Surgeons often use techniques that minimize recovery time, but you may still need a period of rest and restricted activity—doctor’s orders, not optional. 

Not all effects go away immediately, and some may appear later. Common long-term considerations include:

• Dental issues due to changes in saliva
• Chronic dry mouth
• Thyroid changes that may require medication
• Neck stiffness or swallowing difficulties
• Taste changes that take time to recover
   

Your care team will help you manage these and track improvements over time.