SCC, forgoing treatment, ulcerating tumor

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Brand new and looking for any advice/knowledge/wisdom for my father (66 years old). He was diagnosed with stage 2 SCC under his toungue in July 2015. He underwent radiation and chemo, was in remission in September. He started having severe pain Oct-Jan, he was rediagnosed in Feb - stage 4a. He has opted to forgo radiation and chemo. He was doing really well Feb and March, however towards the end of April and early part of May his health started to delcine a lot faster. He is now at a group home with caretakers and enrolled in hospice.

A question I have has to do with an ulcerating tumor (I think that's what it is) growing on his chin. At first his chin was just very red and swollen. Now he has an open deep hole (I'm not sure what else to call it, wound maybe?) and it is oozing quite consistently. I am working with the caretakers and nurses to figure out the best way to tend to this. If there is no dressing, it constantly oozes down his chin and onto his neck. Yesterday, however, we were having to change the dressing we were using every 30 min to an hour. He is also self conscious about the smell.. I've read honey can help.

Does anyone have any experience with this and have any recommendations on the best type of dressing to use? According to the nurse, since he is not doing treatment, it is possible and likely that a couple more may grow across his chin and lower cheeks/jaw line. He is still able to swallow so he takes in liquids, smoothies, and ice cream.

I just want to make him as comfortable as possible. 

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  • Tonita
    Tonita Member Posts: 197 Member
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    Has a physician seen it?
     

    Has a physician seen it?

     

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    edited May 2016 #3
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    Manuka honey....

    would be the type of honey you'd want to use....not just regular honey.  The one thing about using honey....it can't hurt anything.  I'm wondering if there is a wound care facility near the nursing home....or a Dr. who specializes in wound care??

    p