Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | About 5 minutes before he goes to brush his teeth he should use magic mouthwash to numb his mouth. A waterpik is also a big help. Put warm water in with a little non-alcohol mouthwash and use it on its lowest setting. Switch to a baby toothbrush which is smaller and softer than regular ones will help too.
All patients are different and will respond to treatments, medications, and procedures in their own slightly different way. A lucky few sail right thru while the majority of us have struggled. Many have gotten to the point where they wanted to quit. I was one of those patients, I tried but my son refused to stop driving me to rads. Pain management is crucial in getting thru this! Focusing on what you can control (intake) is about all you can do. I wish I had something else to make this easier for you both. OC is a horrible disease with brutal treatments. Take it day by day and count his calories and water intake to make sure he is getting enough.
Best wishes! ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |