As far as I was concerned you are correct in assuming recovery will go better once he starts eating again. It was definately that way for me. I too had the thick mucos through out treatment and it persisted really bad for about 6 weeks post radiation. However, subborness made me start eating soft salty items at about 4 weeks. Salty because that was the only thing i could taste. Once I started eating, my recovery really sped up. I had my PEG removed at 9 weeks post treatment, Good Luck to both of you. I thank heavens daily for my good husband's care and cheerleading.