Laurie, I needed a water bottle with me at all times for the first few months. then one day I forgot it and realized I didn't need it. I sucked on a lot of sugarless candy which seemed to stimulate the salivary glands. It is a slow process. I still remember the first day I could lick an envelope to seal it. Tim is so right about the food lottery. Taste comes back in spurts. I used to take one bite of something and enjoy it immensely, only to have the second bite be absolutely tasteless. In my case, salt came back first, and I ate cases of chicken noodle soup (which I cannot even look at today). Sweet is the last taste to return. The keys here are Time and Patience. He needs to get nutrition in him one way or another, and he also needs to understand that the situation will slowly improve. In a year I went from very, very dry to nearly 100%, so he should not give up hope.

Note to Tim: You are doing spectacularly well for where you are. If my experience is any guide, by mid summer you will be 100% better saliva wise. Hang in there!