Debbie, I would say Jim is doing well at only one week post treatment. I know it can be personally frustrating, not the kind of person he was before, but this recovery is more like a marathon, not a sprint, so it takes time. It took me quite a while to get over these facts, but looking back, I did quite well with what I went through, and sometimes that is encouraging, and hope Jim finds the same. Although I didn't join any social media or support groups until several years after my initial cancer, I find they are good to hear what others, unfortunately, have gone through, and that you are not alone.

SPOHNC, Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, have monthly support group meeting in local chapters throughout the country, which I find helpful.

https://www.spohnc.org/local_chapters.php

As far as the salt taste, it could be from number of things. Including altered taste, smells, from radiation, chemo, being dehydrated, even thrush alters taste. Mucus, sinus fluid, tears, contain salt, being dehydrated concentrates the taste of salt in the saliva. Usually, several weeks after radiation treatment you have excess mucus, some call rope mucus, so that could be a source. To help with odd tastes, a stronger tasting drink, lozenges, such as citric, grape, root beer, before eating may help be a scapegoat. Maintaining proper oral care is also important, and helps with taste, reducing risk of infection. Rinsing, brushing, drinking liquid before eating may help.