Susan, you definitely need to get some more stuff to help you deal with the pain. Whether it's the magic mouthwash or plain viscous lidocaine that I found helpful, you need to address this because I guarantee you things are not going to get easier as RT progresses.

BUT YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR TREATMENTS GOING WITHOUT FAIL. Easy to type but you're the one doing the hard work now and we all know how tough it is. I'm glad to hear you have someone to help you.

A fentanyl patch is a great suggestion. Oral oxycodone or dilaudid or whatever your doc prescribes is something else you should be asking for. It really helps. I used both the patch and Oxy and I'm frankly surprised that they didn't give you a prescription for some of this stuff right off the bat.

I also used Diflucan and in my case it kept any thrush at bay. Maybe if you're getting it while still on the med you need something else or a stronger dose. Your doc will need to be the judge of that.

Mainly - hang in there! Like yours, my mouth was a mass of open sores for weeks. It hurt to breathe. But you WILL get through it, I promise you.

Post here often. Ask questions. Send PMs. We're all here to help.

Courage.
David 2