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#38175 02-07-2005 04:02 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | External: Be VERY careful that the neck area is free of any ointments or lotions while being radiated. They can act as a "bolus" and exacerbate the effects. Apply them immediately AFTER radiation each day. I used some stuff they gave me called "Radiacare" which was specifically made for radiated skin (it was mainly aloe vera and vitamin E as I recall). Everybody differs in their response to treatment. I had a mild sunburn effect -others get significant burns. I also had IMRT which limited the exposure areas a bit.
Be careful to never scratch the area. When it got itchy (right after treatment ended they gave me a steroid cream and that worked just fine - I only needed a few applications.
Internal: NOT recommended: Acidic, spicey or salty items as well as tobacco and/or alcohol (including mouthwashes that include alcohol).
I know some here have recommended a salt containing rinse. I tried a 1% solution (standard saline solution) as recommended and my pain threshold went through the roof - so use caution. We have all heard the saying about "pouring salt on an open wound", well that's exactly what you doing if rinsing with a salt solution with mouth sores and blisters. Recommended things: Soft textured foods, moisten solid foods with cheese cause or gravy.
Pain Meds: Always take pain meds prior to eating. If the pain gets really bad when eating ask them to compound some "pink magic" swish & spit (Morphine, lidocaine & some optional ingredients) which will numb the mouth. Don't swallow it.
Gary Allsebrook *********************************** Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2 Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy) ________________________________________________________ "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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