Can use some advise Tongue & Neck Cancer IVa

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His mouth is starting to feel the effects of the radiation.....dry mouth (well desert mouth, actually)....and it will get dryer than sticky.  I too kept a one liter bottle of soda/salt solution on my counter, and did many swish and spits every day.  I also kept a one liter bottle of L-gultamine powder mixed with water next to my chair for swishing and swallowing.....and a liter of plain water (probably went through 2 or 3 of the plain water per day).  Down the road a bit...around the 3rd week of rads, I started drinking milk....it gives the illusion of having spit for a longer period than water does.  It also has the side effect of giving needed calories, and lots of hydration. 

If his mouth gets too sore, there is a concoction called Magic Mouth Wash.....it is made up of lidocaine, nystatin, and something else (having a brain fart here).....it numbs the mouth in order to get Ensure, smoothies, water, whatever down the hatch, as he must keep swallowing during treatment....to keep those swallow muscles working. 

I used Mugard (a presciption medicine) during rads and missed out on having a horribly sore mouth, the stuff really worked for me....ask the Oncologist about both the Mugard and Magic Mouth Wash....most Onc's will do whatever they have to, to make their patients comfortable.

Keep close to this forum....you're going to have more questions....and this is the best place on the internet to get them answered.

p

CivilMatt said:

stage IVa BOT SCC too

DianeLA,

Welcome to the H&N forum!

I always had a ½ gallon of the soda / salt mixture at the ready and was rinsing and spitting often,  For pain mouth, tongue and throat soreness I was a big user of the Magic Mouth Wash (went through 6 bottles).  I used it just before bed time and before rads and throughout the day.

As much as it hurts tell him to keep swallowing and drinking  water or whatever he can, it is important.  It will likely be a bit intense till a couple weeks past treatments and then it will get better.  For me, once I discovered Magic Mouth Wash, I was able to manage the discomfort; I hope he finds something which works for him.

Matt

I tried but was unable to do the soda/salt...too painful. MMW is maalox,benedryl,lidocaine & nystatin. I don't have a better memory than Phrannie, just happen to have a bottle of it sitting here. It says 1 tsp. but I found it took 2 tsp. to do a really good job for me. I was also good with milk and smoothies. Seemed something a little thicker than water was easier for me. Like Matt says, it is extrememly important to keep swallowing, even if on a feeding tube. If you do not continue to swallow a person can lose the ability. It's a short term tx and you certainly don't want to add a long term effect. Hopefully, your husband won't be afraid to take pain meds if that helps.  

debbiejeanne said:

dianeLA, u've come to the

dianeLA, u've come to the right place to get answers.  u've already received good info and i'm sure others will chime in if they have more suggestions.  i just want to wish u the best and encourage you 2 come here often.

dj

Diane,

i too used mugard and recommend it like Phrannie. if your insurance does not cover mugard you can talk to them directly and cover it for you. I also added caphasol towards the end.

i used to swish fresh aloe vera juice also, that helped a bit too. I used fresh aloe vera on neck too. It typically is available in farmers market or some asian stores.

Sam

By special mouthwash, do you mean Magic Mouthwash? Sticky might be better than sore. If he hasn't tried that, definitely give it a try. Also, prescription pain meds which doctors usually have no problem prescribing for those going through this.