Before Treatment Begins (The Prep Phase)
Before Week 1 officially kicks off, you may have:
- MRI, CT and/or PET Scans, dental evaluations, and baseline bloodwork
- A mask fitting for radiation (yes, it looks intimidating; no, you’re not becoming a Marvel villain… yet)
- Meetings with oncology, ENT, nutrition, speech therapy, or dietitians
- Instructions on mouth care, swallowing exercises, and hydration
Most people feel physically normal here—emotionally, it's a mix of anxiety, determination, and “let’s just start already.”
Week 1: Off to the Races (The “I’ve Got This” Week)
What many people feel:
- Mild sore throat or no symptoms yet
- Slight fatigue by the end of the week
- Chemo side effects may kick in lightly: nausea, metallic taste, extra tiredness
Mood check:
Confidence is high. You’re ready. Your care team is supportive. You may even think, “Hey, this isn’t so bad.”
Hold that thought.
Week 2: Subtle Shifts (The “Okay, I Feel Something” Week)
What often shows up:
- Throat irritation becomes noticeable
- Swallowing starts to feel a bit uncomfortable
- Taste changes begin (goodbye favorite foods… temporarily)
- Fatigue increases
- Neck skin may feel warm or mildly sensitive
Mood check:
Still manageable, but you’re starting to understand why everyone said to stay ahead of symptoms.
Week 3: Symptoms Become Real (The “Oof” Week)
What many patients report:
- Throat pain increases
- Swallowing can feel harder; softer foods become your friend
- Dry mouth becomes more pronounced
- Foods may taste bland, metallic, or just “wrong”
- Increased fatigue—naps move from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable”
Mood check:
This is when the mental game begins. You’re doing the work and making progress—even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Week 4: The Tough Stretch (The “Middle of the Marathon” Week)
Typical experiences:
- Mouth and throat soreness peak
- Hydration becomes critical (your team may monitor this closely)
- Mucus thickening or congestion
- Skin in the radiation area may be irritated
- Eating becomes challenging; high-calorie shakes may take center stage
Mood check:
This is often the hardest emotional week. Energy dips, symptoms rise, and you may start to question whether you’re making progress.
You are. Hang in there.
Week 5: The Grind (The “One Day at a Time” Week)
What often continues:
- Pain while swallowing
- Continued taste loss or distortion
- Fatigue remains significant
- Thinner build-up of mucus may start improving, or may linger
- Routines simplify to: treatment → rest → repeat
Mood check:
You’re tired—really tired. But you’re also close to the finish line, even if it feels like you're moving in slow motion.
Week 6 (and Week 7 if needed): The Finish Line (The “Let’s Get This Done” Week)
What many people feel:
- Symptoms often peak during the final stretch
- Throat and mouth discomfort remain high
- Eating may require creativity, effort, and patience
- Swallowing exercises are key, even when they’re not fun
- You may feel emotionally drained but determined
Mood check:
This is the “dig deep” week. You’ve earned every step toward the final treatment.
Cue the slow-motion victory montage.
The First 2–3 Weeks After Treatment (The “You’re Done… But Not Done Done” Phase)
It surprises many patients that symptoms often continue or even worsen slightly for 1–2 weeks after treatment ends. This is normal—radiation keeps working even when the machine is off.
What to expect:
- Soreness gradually improves
- Swallowing and taste slowly recover
- Energy returns in small, encouraging increments
- Follow-up appointments help track progress
This is healing time. Be patient with yourself. Recovery is real, but it’s not instant.
The Long Game: Weeks to Months After Treatment
Many people see:
- Gradual return of taste
- Improvement in dry mouth
- Reduced pain
- Increased energy
- Return to regular routines and foods
- Emotional clarity about what they’ve just lived through
And somewhere in this window, you may notice a shift—from surviving treatment to rebuilding strength. From fear of the unknown to relief. From struggling to speak comfortably to sharing your story with others who need it.