Dad has bubbling blisters

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CherieLW
CherieLW Member Posts: 472
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

When I saw dad yesterday he had quite a few bubbling blisters that were yellowish (almost a greenish) in color around the side of his neck where its being radiated.  It alarmed me, he's using some type of skin repair cream the doc gave him even though it's not prescription.  Anyone have any suggestions of things that may help?  I really want to see him find some releif.  Just concerned as this is wearing dad down quite a bit.  He complains that it hurts when his mouth is dry and tongue sticks to the roof of his mouth.  Anyone else have this issue?  He's drinking fluids, but probably not enough.  I got about 3 glasses of water down him the time I was there yesterday which was about 6 hours. I got him out of the house for a bit because they had company they hadn't seen in years and dad wanted to show them the new place. He's been pretty down the past week because he's not eating AT ALL and has no energy.  Docs are monitoring his weight, but he still needs a feeding tube in my opinion.  There is talk of that today as my mom is on her way with him to his appt now.  I can't wait for these next 13 rads to be done and 1 chemo.  He's already lost well over 20 lbs.  Hate that dad (or anyone for that matter) is going through this. :( Trying so hard to be positive, but I feel sad.

Cherie

 

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Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
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    Silvadene

    You might try to get a script for Silvadene, it's amazing and works wonders for the burn ... from my understanding of everyone here that has used it...

    Keep pushing the fluids and calories...Ensure, Boost, something...

    Best,

    John

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #3
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    cherie, i'm sorry ur dad is

    cherie, i'm sorry ur dad is feeling so bad.  unfortunately it is all part of trmnt.  that's what radiation does  :0(   thank goodness he only has 13 left to go.  b4  u know it u will be in the single digit countdown!  let us know what the doc says about the feeding tube.  hang in there.

    dj

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #4
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    debbiejeanne said:

    cherie, i'm sorry ur dad is

    cherie, i'm sorry ur dad is feeling so bad.  unfortunately it is all part of trmnt.  that's what radiation does  :0(   thank goodness he only has 13 left to go.  b4  u know it u will be in the single digit countdown!  let us know what the doc says about the feeding tube.  hang in there.

    dj

    John I will into that!

    John I will into that! Thanks.  Debbie, I can't wait for these trtments to be over.  I hope it goes fast and I will keep everyone posted. 

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #5
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    You're right.....if he can't get

    the nutrition he needs via his mouth...then it probably is time to start tubing it.  Hoping the Dr.'s ok a tube for him today.  Having an appetite...being hungry..... is no longer the signal to eat, however.  I finally started eating by the clock, because of lack of appetite.  I either drank a Boost, or poured one at set times of the day....it made it easier for me to make sure I got what I needed.  I kept a 1 liter bottle of water at my side all the time and sipped off of that.  When I'd get tired of battling dry mouth, I'd sip on a glass of milk....it gives the illusion of having some spit.

    As John said....ask the Dr. for the Siverdene cream for his neck....I didn't have to use it, but those who did have the blistering burns say it's a wonder cream. 

    Cherie....it's harder on those watching their loved one go thru treatment....at least emotionally, than it is for us doing it.  We KNOW how we feel.....caretakers can only imagine.....and imagination always takes us to places that are worse (or better) than the reality....

    p

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #6
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    CherieLW said:

    John I will into that!

    John I will into that! Thanks.  Debbie, I can't wait for these trtments to be over.  I hope it goes fast and I will keep everyone posted. 

    Praying

    Praying for you and your dad. It is very upsetting to see someone you love suffer and be helpless to help. Has your dad tried the many sprays, lozenges, gels, etc that are available for dry mouth? Your dads condition is why I am a proponent for PEG tube before treatment. Now he will have added discomfort that he need not have gone through if they had put it in first. I also am concerned that the blisters are yellow to green in color. I am happy your father has an appointment and I pray he gets some relief.

    God's comfort to your family. Debbie 

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #7
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    jim and i said:

    Praying

    Praying for you and your dad. It is very upsetting to see someone you love suffer and be helpless to help. Has your dad tried the many sprays, lozenges, gels, etc that are available for dry mouth? Your dads condition is why I am a proponent for PEG tube before treatment. Now he will have added discomfort that he need not have gone through if they had put it in first. I also am concerned that the blisters are yellow to green in color. I am happy your father has an appointment and I pray he gets some relief.

    God's comfort to your family. Debbie 

    Debbie,
    It certainly is

    Debbie,

    It certainly is upsetting.  It's upsetting feeling even more helpless that I can't get him to try some things such as candies or losenges the doctor suggests.  He just has no desire to.  :(  I know if he gets the PEG now, I worry about added discomfort as well...but at this point, he just really needs nutrients.  Blisters worry me too :( Here is to hoping for better days sooner than later!

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #8
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    phrannie51 said:

    You're right.....if he can't get

    the nutrition he needs via his mouth...then it probably is time to start tubing it.  Hoping the Dr.'s ok a tube for him today.  Having an appetite...being hungry..... is no longer the signal to eat, however.  I finally started eating by the clock, because of lack of appetite.  I either drank a Boost, or poured one at set times of the day....it made it easier for me to make sure I got what I needed.  I kept a 1 liter bottle of water at my side all the time and sipped off of that.  When I'd get tired of battling dry mouth, I'd sip on a glass of milk....it gives the illusion of having some spit.

    As John said....ask the Dr. for the Siverdene cream for his neck....I didn't have to use it, but those who did have the blistering burns say it's a wonder cream. 

    Cherie....it's harder on those watching their loved one go thru treatment....at least emotionally, than it is for us doing it.  We KNOW how we feel.....caretakers can only imagine.....and imagination always takes us to places that are worse (or better) than the reality....

    p

    Thanks as usual Phrannie for

    Thanks as usual Phrannie for the great advice.  Wish dad could push down those ensures, but he refuses.  I'm going to mention that cream to mom and dad.

    So true about your last statement.  Waiting for July 24th to get here so I can celebrate the end of trtment!

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #9
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    neck burn

    Cherie,

    The neck burn was the worst pain of the whole ordeal (for me) during weeks 6, 7 & 8.   As John said Silver Sulfadiazine Cream was a life saver.  When used generously it took away all the pain.  It is a bit messy, but who cares, it works GREAT!

    Sorry he is not eating more, but if he can keep drinking (and swallowing) he should work on getting his calories.

    God luck,

    Matt

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #10
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    CivilMatt said:

    neck burn

    Cherie,

    The neck burn was the worst pain of the whole ordeal (for me) during weeks 6, 7 & 8.   As John said Silver Sulfadiazine Cream was a life saver.  When used generously it took away all the pain.  It is a bit messy, but who cares, it works GREAT!

    Sorry he is not eating more, but if he can keep drinking (and swallowing) he should work on getting his calories.

    God luck,

    Matt

    Cherie

    When my mouth is so dry that my tongue feels like it is velcroed to the roof of my mouth, I can drink a tanker full of water with no relief. What has worked for me is a spoon of swish and swallow (magic mouthwash) or eating my pancakes and lots of syrup. Something about those get enough juices flowing in my mouth to help for hours on end.  

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #11
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    hwt said:

    Cherie

    When my mouth is so dry that my tongue feels like it is velcroed to the roof of my mouth, I can drink a tanker full of water with no relief. What has worked for me is a spoon of swish and swallow (magic mouthwash) or eating my pancakes and lots of syrup. Something about those get enough juices flowing in my mouth to help for hours on end.  

    Thanks everyone for that

    Thanks everyone for that advice.  Dad got some kind of script, but I don't know what it is yet.  He's at the hospital now getting fluids via IV and they are going to schedule to have a PEG put in.  I don't know how long this is going to take...but hopefully he gets some relief soon.  I know he's miserable.

    Thanks,

    Cherie

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #12
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    CherieLW said:

    Thanks everyone for that

    Thanks everyone for that advice.  Dad got some kind of script, but I don't know what it is yet.  He's at the hospital now getting fluids via IV and they are going to schedule to have a PEG put in.  I don't know how long this is going to take...but hopefully he gets some relief soon.  I know he's miserable.

    Thanks,

    Cherie

    I figured

    Hi Cherie,

    You got some good advice on the neck burn. I figured they'd put a PEG in. There's a limit as to how much weight they'll let you lose before they do so. I hit that the last week of treatment and got my PEG a couple hours after ringing the bell. Don't worry too much about it. It's not bad at all. He'll be sore for a few days. Nothing pain meds can't handle. But the benefit will be evident. If it's a gravity feed, keep an eye on how fast the drip is. That was the only thing I had to get used to. Too fast and you can toss your cookies. 

    Hope he feels better soon.

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #13
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    CherieLW said:

    Thanks everyone for that

    Thanks everyone for that advice.  Dad got some kind of script, but I don't know what it is yet.  He's at the hospital now getting fluids via IV and they are going to schedule to have a PEG put in.  I don't know how long this is going to take...but hopefully he gets some relief soon.  I know he's miserable.

    Thanks,

    Cherie

    glad he's get'n a peg tube. 

    glad he's get'n a peg tube.  one problem solved.  i hope the script helps.

    dj

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #14
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    fishmanpa said:

    I figured

    Hi Cherie,

    You got some good advice on the neck burn. I figured they'd put a PEG in. There's a limit as to how much weight they'll let you lose before they do so. I hit that the last week of treatment and got my PEG a couple hours after ringing the bell. Don't worry too much about it. It's not bad at all. He'll be sore for a few days. Nothing pain meds can't handle. But the benefit will be evident. If it's a gravity feed, keep an eye on how fast the drip is. That was the only thing I had to get used to. Too fast and you can toss your cookies. 

    Hope he feels better soon.

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

    Thanks T,
    I was really hoping

    Thanks T,

    I was really hoping if he had to have a PEG that he would have it in already, but I guess not.  They have been weighing him twice a week.  Glad that all of you are saying the PEG isn't as big of a deal as what I think.  You all have had to probably tell me that several times! Hope you are doing well and as always thanks for keeping us in thought/prayer.  I've been doing the same for everyone on here! 

    Cherie

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #15
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    debbiejeanne said:

    glad he's get'n a peg tube. 

    glad he's get'n a peg tube.  one problem solved.  i hope the script helps.

    dj

    Thanks Debbie, I hope so

    Thanks Debbie, I hope so also!  I'll keep everyone posted on what works and what doesn't.  Can't wait for dad to kick cancer's butt so he can move on and get better!

  • michdjp
    michdjp Member Posts: 220
    #16
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    The worst pain

    Hi cherie

    i know for my dad this was a tough pain to get through. i would cut the neck off of his shirts so nothing would touch it or rub against it as this would cause discomfort.  The doctors told us keeping up with nourishment would help heal the skin faster.  My dad had a tough time getting food down so we relied on the peg for nourishment.  We tried vitamin e, silverdine, eurcerin and anything else recommended.  It helped a little but time healed most.  I know that is the hardest thing to hear but it is true.  It will get better.  it is good that he can drink water As that was the hardest liquid for my dad to get down.  Hang in there.  I hope dad feels better soon.

    Michelle

    p.s. biotene gel hepled to keep dads mouth moist.  

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #17
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    michdjp said:

    The worst pain

    Hi cherie

    i know for my dad this was a tough pain to get through. i would cut the neck off of his shirts so nothing would touch it or rub against it as this would cause discomfort.  The doctors told us keeping up with nourishment would help heal the skin faster.  My dad had a tough time getting food down so we relied on the peg for nourishment.  We tried vitamin e, silverdine, eurcerin and anything else recommended.  It helped a little but time healed most.  I know that is the hardest thing to hear but it is true.  It will get better.  it is good that he can drink water As that was the hardest liquid for my dad to get down.  Hang in there.  I hope dad feels better soon.

    Michelle

    p.s. biotene gel hepled to keep dads mouth moist.  

    Thanks for the advice

    Thanks for the advice Michelle! I'm pretty sure dad was prescribed Silverdine yesterday- but mom wasn't positive that was the name.  I'll look when I'm down there tomorrow or today.  It has been one hell of a ride.  I can't wait to get through these last treatments.  Dad goes to a surgeon tomorrow to find out about when he is getting the PEG done.  I hope they do it soon, I worry about malnourishment.  I'm seeing first hand how bad chemo and radiation really is...but trying to look at it as positive as I can by knowing that it's killing the cancer.  Dad does have biotene, but still battles the dry mouth.  If time is what heals, then so be it- it is truth.  I just hope that it happens quick!

    Cherie

  • MICH4EL
    MICH4EL Member Posts: 73
    #18
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    Persevere

    I am about six weeks ahead of your dad.  Things will be tough for awhile but just take it a day at a time.  

    I also had painful, oozing crusty neck burns.  it was very uncomfortable.  The routine that worked best for me was to slather on Aquaphor healing ointment,, which is available at drugstores, Target, Walgreens.  Then several times a day I used Qtips to remove the yellowish white dead tissue, then put more Aquaphor on.  It stains shirts, so I wore old t shirts.  It is important to keep removing the dead stuff to promote healing and reduce scarring.  After radiation was done, my neck healed up pretty fast.

    M

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #19
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    MICH4EL said:

    Persevere

    I am about six weeks ahead of your dad.  Things will be tough for awhile but just take it a day at a time.  

    I also had painful, oozing crusty neck burns.  it was very uncomfortable.  The routine that worked best for me was to slather on Aquaphor healing ointment,, which is available at drugstores, Target, Walgreens.  Then several times a day I used Qtips to remove the yellowish white dead tissue, then put more Aquaphor on.  It stains shirts, so I wore old t shirts.  It is important to keep removing the dead stuff to promote healing and reduce scarring.  After radiation was done, my neck healed up pretty fast.

    M

    Thanks for the advice

    Thanks for the advice Michael, I will pass that on to dad.  The blisters are a little better since he has some of that silver cream a lot of you have mentioned.  I'll let him know to rid the excess skin... I was with him all day yesterday and blisters looked somewhat better.

    Like you said, one day at a time...that's all we can do.  Dad has 10 more radiations.  (would be 8, but they had to postpone two- one on the 4th and the other today). How are you feeling 6 weeks out of treatment?   

    Cherie

  • MICH4EL
    MICH4EL Member Posts: 73
    #20
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    CherieLW said:

    Thanks for the advice

    Thanks for the advice Michael, I will pass that on to dad.  The blisters are a little better since he has some of that silver cream a lot of you have mentioned.  I'll let him know to rid the excess skin... I was with him all day yesterday and blisters looked somewhat better.

    Like you said, one day at a time...that's all we can do.  Dad has 10 more radiations.  (would be 8, but they had to postpone two- one on the 4th and the other today). How are you feeling 6 weeks out of treatment?   

    Cherie

    Post treatment

    In many ways I feel better.  My neck burns have healed nicely and I have more energy.  My throat and mouth tongue are still sore, though, so I am still on a liquid. diet.  My doctor says this is normal and that recovery is very slow.  It is great to be done with the treatments and to know that in will continue to improve from now on.

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #21
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    MICH4EL said:

    Post treatment

    In many ways I feel better.  My neck burns have healed nicely and I have more energy.  My throat and mouth tongue are still sore, though, so I am still on a liquid. diet.  My doctor says this is normal and that recovery is very slow.  It is great to be done with the treatments and to know that in will continue to improve from now on.

    I'll pray you continue to

    I'll pray you continue to feel better each day!  How long out of treatment are you Michael? 

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