Hi Kelly,
I used to swig viscous Lidocaine during radiation treatment. It numbed by throat and esophagus just enough to get a couple of bites of food down. Liquid aloe vera gel also helped. Basically, though, I lived on iced green tea, milkshakes, and creamed soups.
It does get better though -- today I can eat anything. Funny, though, I cannot drink carbonated beverages. Just as well, I guess.
Hope mom's treatment goes well.
Trish