Carol,

My Dad went through the same thing. We didn't know until a few weeks after radiation stopped that everything gets worse for about four weeks after treatment. Doctors weren't real helpful with information. This is a very difficult process for everyone (the patient and the loved ones). Dad was afraid of becoming addicted to pain meds so resisted taking them, but our GP doctor and nurse said so long as you take meds as prescribed it should be okay. The healing process is very long. My Dad got real depressed thinking it would never get better, and he still has some set backs. He is three months after treatment, sore throat and pain in mouth cleared up, but tastebuds aren't back yet. But everyone I talked with says they will come back. Things will get better but it does takes time. Of course your guy will get tired of hearing that, but both of you hang in there.
Robin