Hi Frances,

Since you are in Aus, ask your doctor about using Difflam -- benzydamine Hcl -- mouth rinse which is available over-the-counter (no prescription). It has been found in clinical trials to be the most effective treatment for radiation-induced mucositis; it is approved in 36 countries but not USA, yet. (Our dental onc participated in one of these trials and is hoping this will be available here soon). Difflam is a topical treatment (mouthwash) -- you do not ingest it.

However, you should not take or use non-prescription meds or supplements without checking with your doctor beforehand.

Another thing which you could use -- a simple salt-and-soda rinse which helps heal tissue and sooth sore areas.

Also, make sure you do not have a secondary infection -- which could be yeast ("thrush"), bacterial or even viral (herpes) which is slowing healing.

Try to continue to swallow something, even if only sips of water, to maintain the muscular ability to swallow. You might try to make thin liquid "smoothies" with soy milk and a mild fruit juice (such as mango) and sip some of these. Some people have had success by gargling with a numbing solution before eating, or using a coating agent (one is USA is called Gel-Clair, not sure what Australian equivalent would be) to reduce pain.

Gail