It can seem overwhelming, but you cannot look at the whole thing at once. Just get through today. I did 39 IMRT and 8 chemo treatments, and treated each one like its own little battle. Get in the car, drive to the CCC, get the IV, etc.

Try to follow everything the doctors say to the letter. Use the salt/baking soda rinse 3,4,5 times a day. Drink lots of water, and when he thinks he can't drink any more, give him another bottle. That really helps far more than you would think.

I ate the entire time, though often it was mashed potatoes and gravy, or something of similar consistency. The taste thing is not fun, but can be overcome. The key is to not focus on how bad it tastes now, but think of what the "normal" taste is. The mind is a strange critter, and it can help taste along by "filling in" the taste it expects for that food. Doesn't work all the time, or with all foods, but it helped me.

The worsening of side effects is not a foregone conclusion. Yes, many people have profound side effects. However, many do not. Nip the pain in the bud now, use the magic mouthwash, and try to get him to be as active as possible. I worked through my entire course of tratement, which was a godsend for my mental state. Even if it is just taking a walk around the block, enjoying a hobby, etc. Anything to keep the mind engaged and occupied.

HTH