He should ask for a prescription for magic mouthwash (a mix including lidocaine) to numb the mouth. I also used viscous lidocaine.

On pain meds there are a variety of options. Many are put on a fentanyl patch. Others take oxycontin or oxycodone. Id make sure he tells his doctor he is in pain asap so he can get it managed. My doc was able to write me prescriptiona same day when I needed more relief.

The next weeks won't be fun but with proper prescriptions it is doable and he will make it through treatment.


Andrew
age 25

early 10/12 - enlarged lymph node area
01/13 SCC of L tonsil, L BOT, 2 L lymph nodes
stage IVa, T2N2bM0, HPV+

2/13 2 doses cisplatin big bag, 2 doses weekly cisplatin + 35x IMRT
4/13 TX finished
7/13 PET/CT - NED!