Cori,

I had a radiation implant in my tongue after I finished the external beam treatments. (This was 16 years ago, so there may be some differences now.) As you are aware, there are strict limitations on visitors' (and nurses') time in the patient's room because of the radiation levels there -- my husband was only allowed in for about 5 or 10 minutes in a 24-hour period. My mouth felt a bit clumsy due to the "hardware" associated with the implanted tubes, but otherwise I was able to talk and sip on liquids.

The major problem I recall from that period was boredom because of the minimal amount of human contact. Try to check with the hospital about what he will be allowed to have with him (I suspect some of the other posters above are correct that a cell phone won't be permitted). I imagine that anything he can bring along to keep occupied and keep his mind off the "solitary confinement" would be welcome.

Cathy