@harleytiger From what I have read and what I experienced the peak of pain/symptoms was about 2-3 weeks AFTER radiation treatment was over. Then the slow climb back to somewhat normal taste, swallowing, eating foods you like, etc. My guess was about 3 months I could get faint tastes and saliva production was getting better and not so thick. It was about a year before most all of my taste was back and Saliva pretty good. AND yes your taste buds are toasted. Thats what the radiation does unfortunately as it kills the cancer cells. I would think by Christmas you will be about to taste. It started with my tasting for a few bites and then fading through the meal. Try to be patience as It is a slow process.