Hi all, I did not mean to make light of the pain from the canker sores. The RO observed that they didn't look the same as the mouth sores caused by the treatment. We obtained some medicine from a compounding pharmacy to apply to the canker sores and it has done wonders. They are much better and Richard is able to shallow and eat without much discomfort.
My daughter, who has been plagued with canker sores for years, swears by this medicine that was recommended by her dentist. It is made up specially for each patient. So, we will go with what works and take each day as it comes. There is also a topical medicine the compounding pharmacy recommends for radiation burns that we are going to have the RO to prescribe. We will use it along with the aloe vera gel. Richard will go back on the patch when he feels he needs to. He will be very careful not to let the pain get ahead of him. He's not against the pain meds, but doesn't want to go on them sooner than needed. Thanks for all your comments...Geri