Hi and welcome to the board. My husband had surgery and radiation for tonsil cancer two years ago. I remember thinking the thick mucous would never go away, but it did, so hang in there. It did take many months post radiation and he had his feeding tube many months post radiation also. The good news for you is that two years later he is pretty much back to normal, some dry mouth, but he keeps a water bottle handy at all times and life is once again wonderful. So, hang in there, things will get better.
Julie
PS My husband was 37 when diagnosed and was stage IV as it had spread to several lymph nodes in neck