Michelle,
As for talking, Dan is getting to the point where it DOES hurt to talk and shortly he may be down to a whipser or no voice at all. I tried to use my voice as little as possible during the last week of radiation and for a few days after so his comment on not wanting to talk is understandable.

Rather than trying to eat meals with my hubby, I drank an Ensure Plus every few hours. Usually took me a half hour to get an 8 oz can down. The Carnation VHC which has about 200 more calories per 8oz can would have been a better choice had it existed at the time. Sitting down trying to eat with everyone watching every mouthful you take is very frustrating and I suggest he not do it. Let him take a magazine and his bowl of soup or whatever someplace where he can eat them at his own pace without the pressure of you watching him. If he doesn't do it on his own, he will wind up with a peg. It's up to him now. Some of us did it without, but there aren't many.

I got most of my water intake from black coffee which I normally sip all day long. If Dan drinks coffee or tea at work, this should be an easy way for him to get some hydration.

Tell him we are rooting for him. He can do this if he trys. Being stubborn has it advantages, but only if he uses it for his own good to beat this beast. Time to sip, sip, sip all day long.

Take care,
Eileen