Hi, Skp, It would probably be a good idea for your hubby to use the peg to get as many calories down as possible, while continuing to swallow liquids, soups, etc. Remember, weight loss is not good unless he was profoundly overweight to start with. Instead of you having to remind him to eat, why don't the 2 of you set up a calorie & liquid goal for each day [either by mouth or by peg] write it down and make him responsible for keeping the chart. It takes the responsibility off you [a little]and you don't have to be the "calorie keeper".AS to the fentanyl patches, my husband was one who could not tolerate that drug. For most of his treatment, hydrocodone and hydromorphone controlled his pain and allowed him to function. Hopefully, your hubby will be able to find a pain med to replace the fentanyl. Markus has good info on mouth washes and gargles. Best wishes going forward. Amy in the Ozarks