Liz - Not all of us are in bed at this hour, and I can really feel your frustration and worry. My son also started to get the effects of the radiation very early on. He spent most of the time sitting cross legged on the bed, staring at the bowl of chicken broth before him on a tray, and after only a few sips he was finished. It is so hard to know when to push and when to hold back a little or when to just give him a gentle hug. I learned not to make too much of any one thing because I never knew when his taste would change and when he couldn't tolerate a certain drink or food anymore. There were times when he would get irritated with me, telling me I didn't understand what he was feeling. He said that trying to swallow was like sharp knives stabbing his throat. Liz, keep trying and make sure he gets enough water. I know it is so difficult to see someone you care about going through such pain and feeling so helpless especially when it looks like they are not really trying. The biotene should work - I've read lots of good about it. And make sure the doctor knows what is happening. At one point, my son said he was going to take a couple of days off from the treatment but I convinced him to at least see the doctor which he did and the doctor, after seeing his throat, put him on a week long break. It is better not to have to take a break but it did give him a chance to heal a little bit. You have gotten lots of good advice above. JoAnn mentioned setting up a schedule and that's what I did. I put a chart on the refrigerator with times and how much and what liquids he had and I insisted he write down everything he had. Keep trying - one day it will get better! You take care of yourself, too and keep us posted.