Glad they identified one deficiency. Maybe your husband can get hydration by IV, ask. He does need to eat to survive, wether it tastes bad of not, unless he has a peg or nasal tube. The less side effects one has, weight loss and other complications have better prognosis. Can he chug down some protein drinks? He needs intervention from a multi-dusplinsry team, speech and swallow therapist, nutrionist, pain management, psychology, besides the RO and MO, to help with his not getting enough nutrients, hydration. Good luck.