Hello JaneRider and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your friend's symptoms. 

Unfortunately once radiotherapy stops it does carry on working which is why the feeling of going backwards can be felt. 

It does sound like you are doing all the right things by having 'wet food' and food with sauces. It is important to try and encourage Alan to drink as much as he can. Radiotherapy does affect the salivary glands leaving a patient with a dry mouth. Sucking chips of ice may help. If the painkillers are not managing the pain then do encourage Alan to discuss this with his team or specialist nurse at the hospital.

We have some information on radiotherapy side effects

He may be being monitored by a dietitian. I would encourage him to speak to them if he is finding it difficult to swallow food. It is important to make sure that he is having enough calories and protein to help healing after all the treatment he has had. The dietitian may suggest some food supplements if he is not taking them already.

We have some information on our website about food supplements.

The Mouth Foundation charity has produced a CookBook which you can download. You may find this helpful as it is specifically designed for patients with head and neck cancers.

I have also come across an organisation called Swallows. It is a charity supporting patients with head and neck cancers. It can sometimes help to connect with other patients who have had a similar cancer. they also help find local support groups in your area.

You have posted in 'ask the nurses' but if you post on another thread or start your own you may find that you get more responses.

I do hope that over the next few weeks the pain will settle down. 

If you or Alan would like to speak to one of the helpline nurses then you are more then welcome to give us a call.

Our number is freephone 0808 800 4040 and the nurses are here Monday to friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine