Peter --

My husband Barry (who's also a Brit, though we live in USA) was limited to eating soft foods throughout and immediately after treatment. Other than liquid nutritional supplements (various brands), he found he could eat (using plenty of water and taking his time): scrambled eggs, pureed soups (put through blender), cream of wheat cereals and also, several varietes of cereal made for babies to which you add warm milk, soft noodles or pasta in gravy or cream sauce, very soft mashed potatoes, ice cream -- but not ice cold -- he had to microwave to get warmer otherwise he'd gag, mango juice -- diluted at first and then gradually back to full strength (much less acidic than other juices, yoghurt) and also lots of "smoothies" made with nutrient formulas, protein powders and ice cream or yoghurt.

Since you are in the UK, ask about getting Difflam (benzydamine mouth rinse) at local chemist's. It is not available in USA yet, our dental oncologist took part in a clinical trial of this and found it best for reducing severity and duration of radiation mucositis. He bemoaned that it was available "over-the-counter" in 36 countries but not yet in USA. Of course, ask your doctor before using this, as with any non-prescribed medication or supplement!

Back to food -- we noticed that once healing started it proceeded fairly quickly -- and within a few weeks he could deal with soft broiled fish and well-cooked vegetables, and now 4 months' out is eating everything in a normal manner except spicy foods. These are still a no-no. So keep eating and experimenting -- it will get better!

Best luck,
Gail