Also Heather, if your husband is anything like me the rads are going to knock him for a loop. By about week 3 I had zero energy to do anything but drive myself to The Ride and limp home and back to bed. Everyone's different of course, but this is something to think about.

Ativan is a great idea if he feels he needs it. I used my ipod and small speakers and listened to an audio book to keep my mind occupied. Deep, slow counting of breaths is also another tactic if he's of a meditative mind.

Glad he's got you to help him through this. We're all pulling for both of you and are here every step of the way to answer questions.

Oh and rinsing with baking soda and water a few times a day will really help. There are also other prescription mouth rinses like Caphosol which could prove valuable. For mouth sores I recommend viscous lidocaine, swished around for as long as necessary. A life saver for me!


David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 15 years all clear in 6/24 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18