Sounds like he is doing quite well! Only 5 pounds that is pretty good. The taste thing is odd isn't it? I found that the radiation takes away the appetite besides making every thing taste flat (a double whammy). Don't be afraid to try herbs that aren't spicy hot in his food. Kick it up a notch! Because the sense of taste is so changed try lots of combinations. I found I liked the taste of things I previously hated (go figure) The important thing is to get that nutrition in. A cup of soup in between meals, a heavy gravy, it all helps.

take care

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.