We'll see if I do this correctly and in the right spot. This week I finished my first4 radiation treatments of 2.7 rapid arc IMRT to both sides of the neck, including the lower jaw, down to the clavicle. I also had my first of 3 cisplatin treatments on Thursday. No nausea because of the meds, I assume. Zofran and Prochlorperazine. One hydration therapy yesterday that has me blown up like a balloon from the sodium. My neck is starting to get very red even with the aloe, miaderm and aquaphor--I switch off and on, but always use the aloe first as it is the most soothing. I woke up during the night with my mouth and throat very dry so I guess it's time to start the cool mist humidifier. I was hoping and praying the swollen and sore throat would at least wait until next week, but no luck. From what I've read from y'all, everything is pretty normal. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you

Hi Barbara,
My partner is at similar stage - just completed 11 of 30 rads. He has sore throat and finds rinsing/gargling and then swallowing a thick liquid paracetamol mix helps numb things a bit before eating. Not a nice journey to be on - but with the support on this forum - you are sure to get through.
All the best
Kitty

Hi Barbara ....

Sounds normal is correct. I did not see where you have silver sulfadiazine (SSD)? It's by Dr. Reddy's.

This cream was great for me! It was more soothing for me than any of the other items you mentioned (but each person is different). If you do not have any on hand you many want to ask aobut it.

I would rub this cream directly on my neck, then cover it with a "mesh type bandage" that looked like skin graff and then cover all of that with guaze.

As for the dry mouth, throat...I konw it sounds crazy, it seems water made my mouth more dry I used almost room temp milk to keep my throat lubricated. Hydration is important as you know...as is protein intake.

Keep us posted ...

Best,

Tim

Thanks Tim. Where can I purchase this SSD by Dr. Reddy's? Is it over the counter?

Bring your cream to the hospital and put it on immediately after. If you aren't already. also flatten club soda and drink it Luke warm it will help soothe your throat.

Silver sulfadine cream is by prescription only. There are many different creams available to help. I found prescription Beta Val cream was what worked for me, others swear by aquaphor.

Always pat the cream on the skin, never rub it in. Allow it to soak in. Prior to any radiation treatments, remove the cream or simply avoid putting any on a few hours prior to treatment. I would pat it on in the car on my ride home. My skin was a mess but I didnt scar at all. The cream will greatly help!!!

If it's available to you try Glaxal Base. Not greasy but terrific.

Thank you for the various cream advice--I'm getting quite a collection and trying them all. The aquaphor is just so greasy.

I used aquaphor before, and worked fine, but this time I used Cetaphil moisturizing cream, and is not greasy at all, and worked very well. I also used Cetaphil liquid cleasor in the shower. I bought both at Costco's.