Michelle,
He is just beginning to climb the mountain. My radiation side effects continued to get worse until almost a full month AFTER treatment ended. That's why we say around here that radiation is the "gift that keeps on giving". But remember it's also what kills the cancer. I posted in another topic about salt in rinses - some can take it and some will go through the roof in excruiating burning pain (like I did). and, like others here, there was a point where I had to seriously med up or use the morphine and lidocaine swish & spit just to swallow water. Radiation burns and mucositus are very nasty things. Constipation is a major problem with pain meds that will have to be carefully managed as well.

The thick mucous and hacking will last for a while and then one day it will just stop. My wife was really distraught watching me go through this as well. Caregivers actually have it worse than we do because of the helplessness of it all.

I had days that ranged from awful to horrific -I looked forward to the awful days ;-)

It will get better eventually I promise - hang in there. Work closely with your advice nurse - lean on your medical team. Be on the lookout for thrush as well - that will cause a lot burning sensation too.