I was just reading posts from Lyn, who is dreading radiation to the point that she hesitated to even begin. (Sorry Lyn - I hope this doesn't embarrass you!) I thought back to before Ariel began and how scared we were. I scanned this forum and the web for any little bit of info and advice that might help make treatment easier or more comfortable for him. This is his last week of treatment and he has had so few side effects - in part, I believe, because of some of the things we did proactively. I thought that it would be great to have a continuing thread where everyone could post their hard-earned wisdom - a thread where a newly diagnosed person could come for advice. Here we could post those things that worked for you, or didn't, and offer some solid suggestions for dealing with the issues that occur during treatment. We all know that each person is different and your mileage may vary, but if a suggestion makes just one person more comfortable then it will have been worthwhile.

Here are the things that Ariel and I did - again, YMMV, but these things helped ( or at least made us think that we were doing something to help ourselves!)

1) From the very beginning Ariel took zinc, tumeric, acidophilus and a good multi-vitamin. Yes, I know the zinc and tumeric aren't proven, but they were cheap and harmless, so why not try? He has had no mouth sores, no sore throat and no thrush - nothing. His skin just looks tanned, and this is a man who has to sit under an umbrella at the beach, his skin is so sensitive.

2) Switched over to acidophilus milk and cheese - again in an effort to fight thrush.

3) We asked the doc for a prescription for Miracle Mouthwash on day one of treatment, and he started the swish and swallow routine then - didn't wait until the pain began.

4) We bought a humidifier and use it by the bed; it really seems to help. He also started using the Breathe Right strips at night to help him breathe through his nose and not his mouth.

5) Ginger ale helped to cut through morning mucous.

6) Biotene toothpaste is very gentle - helps to avoid any irritation caused by regular toothpaste. Using a soft child's toothbrush helps, too.

7) Lots of time in prayer!


Please, please post your tips, too - maybe folks like Lyn won't feel so scared if they have someplace to turn for solid advice!