I tried the mouthrinse and tossed every time I used it when I swallowed it. Swish and spit, I was ok but that doesn't numb the back of your thoat. After I got sick, then I would eat some liquid protein drink real quick before it wore off. They also gave me a spray with a thin stainless steel tube applicator and I used it once - burned like hell for about 30 seconds - pure torture!
I had lost at least 10 lbs by week 4 for so it sounds like jc is doing really well. Is he getting chemo too? In my case the chemo made everything a lot worse. I am 57 days out out treatment and my taste buds are coming back really fast. Sleep is fairly normal and energy is returning. I'm out of bed almost everyday now.