My father is undergoing adjuvant unilateral re-radiation (60Gy/30). Just a week in treatment and he is having severe side-effects! Very limited mouth opening, full of sores. Water is also hurting now. No PEG/NG tube.

RO said he is having oral infection and has put him on Povidone-iodine gargle. Yesterday, got him Mucaine (oxethazaine) Syrup to swish and spit. Tried alternating it with dispersible Diclofenac 50 mg. Both helped in momentarily relieving him of pain and he was able to eat (gulp), drink and sleep. If it gets too bad, probably will dicuss with RO for Viscous Lidocaine/Xylocaine. Already put him on Prosure and Resource in anticipation of weight loss.

During his previous radiotherapy in 2009, he was doing well until his last 2 weeks but this time onset of side-effects is pretty early. Just wondering how to cope up with remaining treatment! Feeling helpless.