| | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 18 | My sister has just completed her 15th of 30 rad treatments. She is developing a few ulcers on the tongue and mouth. We have the mouth rinses that numb the pain, but i was wondering if there is a topical gel or something for specific spot treatments. I was thinking Ambasol or Orajel but thought you guys might have some better ideas before I go by everything at CVS. Any thoughts?
Sister, age 24, dx SCC 3/5/09, Stage IV T3N2M0, HPV-, 6x induction chemo (Cetuximab (Erbitux), Carboplastin, Taxol), 1/4 tongue removed and left modified radical neck dissection 5/14/09, started IMRT 7/7/09, 30tx, finished 8/14/09
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 126 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 126 | Hi,
Richard used everything we could get our hands on to ease the mouth sores. What worked well is a product called ORABASE by Colgate. I think it's like Oragel, but better. This was recommended to us by an RO that had used the product and was very pleased with the results. Richard said that it stings and in his words "makes your eardrums vibrate" at first, but then numbs and you can get some relief for awhile. We would take a tube with us to radiation treatments to help numb the sores before and after. The mouth piece that you have to wear was so irritating that the numbing was a welcome relief, if only for an hour. Hope this helps... Geri
Geri-CG to husband Richard, 62 yrs old. Former smoker, quit 30yrs ago, light drinker. Dx after tests with BOT T1N1M0. Tx to start by end of Dec. Seven wks IMRT with 2x Cisplatin-2x Erbitux. Peg in 12/08- removed 4/21/09. Looking good so far. Clear Pet &MRI 8/2/09
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 104 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 104 | Orajel has worked best for John. We had high hopes for viscous lidocaine but that did nothing at all!
GM, for John who has SCC Rt tonsil with 3+ nodes, Stage T1 N2b MX; surgery 04/09; Rad X 33 completed 7/14/09...f/u imaging and scopes looking good as of Feb 2011
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hi Courtney,
Orabase forms a seal over the sore where Orajel just numbs it for 5 minutes. Orabase does work pretty good...funny I never thought about using that.
That's a shame about the viscous lidocaine, that helped me. I found it helpful if I put it on my finger and rubbed it right on my tongue. I'm sure you tried this but if not, give it a whirl. I really hope something works for your sister. I know how FRUSTRATING that pain can be. I cringe just thinking about it.
It warms my heart to see sisters. My older sister has been so amazing, I could not get through this without her. I'm sure your sister feels the same way.
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 253 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 253 | Courtney Allen:
Remind your sister to rise frequently with saltwater. This really helped them to heal, but it does take awhile.
Sandy
Sandy 56, BOT SCC Biopsy 1/21/09 Stage 3, T3NXM0.
Finished 3 cycle induction chemotherapy 4/7/09. (Chisplatin, 5-fu and Texotere). Re-staged 4/20/09,(very successful.) Will start Carboplatin/radiation 2 Gy/5 days/7 weeks (Tomotherapy) starting May 4th. Finished 6/22/09.
OCF member/supporter
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Orabase comes with or without benzocaine, a topical anesthetic.
Make sure it is with the topical.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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