Hi Falcon:

The Magic Mouthwash prescribed by my ENT and Radiation Oncologist can be filled at any drug store - they write down what they want included and the amount of each, on the prescription, and the druggest makes it. I did go to one ENT who told me I would have to have it filled at a Compound Pharmacy, but it was filled at a chain drug store in my city (grocery store Krogers Pharmacy). I watched as the pharmacist mixed the ingredients. I don't remember the cost, but it was far, far less than $42. Maybe check at a drug store, show them the prescription, and see what they say. Good luck, and welcome from julieann

Hi there - mine was just a mouthful - capful, I think it's just as affective - you need to see a dental oncologist ASAP! Radiation does a number on your mouth and gums - and teeth, it can cause mouth dryness which leads to cavities and and over abundance of plaque (spit is important!!!) anyway you need flouride trays - use them daily to prevent dental fall out. My ccc has a dentistry dep. that was where I was sent immediately to be fitted for my trays. If you have to have a tooth pulled after radiation it can be a nightmare! (HBO dives etc...) try to save your teeth now ! Aside from saving on dental expenses in the future - radiation can cause osteonecrosis which if a tooth has to be removed - could lead to a mandiblectomy etc...
You don't want to go there!!!

Good luck with everything!! You'll be done in no time.

Hi, Falcon
It sounds like you are coming along well. Your dentist will need to take an impression of your teeth for the trays - if your mouth is still up to it, you should get it done quickly.

If you have not already started, you may want to try some of the complete meals (Ensure or Boost) to keep your calories and energy up while you are completing therapy. Homemade protein shakes are another option.

I finished radiation Jan 3, and got my all clear Petscan April 5. I had lots of mouth sores during and after radiation, which were pretty tough to deal with. Lost 17 pounds, which puts me about where I should stay. But I probably won't.

I was using some transdermal Fentanyl, 50 mg then 25 mg. When I quit it, I developed even more dry mouth than I had previously (at least it seemed so), coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc. I have been off it about 10 days and these symptoms still exist. I have more difficulty sleeping longer than a couple hours at a time. Has anyone experienced this?

Hi, Falcon
glad to hear about your all clear scan!

It's usual to have the dry mouth issues three months out, but I don't know if dropping the Fentanyl has any correlation with it, or with the sneezing and running nose. In Ohio, at least, it's a bad year for allergies - maybe that's part of it.

If you don't already have one, a bedside humidifier might help. It helped a little with my husband's dry mouth, which in turn helped him sleep better. At a year out, he is sleeping fairly normally - but it took its own sweet time in coming!