Maxine, I put cream on my stomach, around where the tube comes out. I have a tiny bit of ganulation there and the drain sponge sticks to it. So by putting the antibiotic or silvadine cream there, it prevents the gauze from sticking and the granulation doesnt hurt. The drain sponge also soaks up any leakage that comes from the feedings.

For a soothing drink, try chocolate milk or yoohoo. I drank yoohoo thru out my rad treatments and it soothed my sore throat. If your father refuses to drink he will lose the ability to swallow. This is something very very important!!!!! He must drink something every day to keep those muscles working.

If something has no taste to you it doesnt mean to him it is the same. His mouth has gone thru a tremendous battle, leaving him sore and delicate tissue scarred. My taste and sense of smell became increased to where I was super sensitive to everything. One grain of pepper would be somthing a normal person wouldnt notice but to someone who has endured what your dad has, it is definetly very noticeable. Stay away from juice, its too acidic. Soda will hurt and burn his mouth.

Have your dad use the magic mouthwash and swish it in his mouth then spit it out. This will temporarily numb his sore mouth. Sure it tastes bad but we gotta do those things. He should also be rinsing his mouth several times per day with a baking soda mixture.

16oz water, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt (if it burns reduce the salt or omit it)

After the rinses, then he should attempt to drink something. Even a few sips a few times per day will be enough to keep those muscles active. If he is not taking much by mouth that means he shoudl be having lots of water in his peg.

Hope I was able to help you Maxine.