My father has been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the mouth and has had nearly 3 weeks of Radiation. His mouth and throat are very ulcerated and sore and he has been told to gargle with oil of cloves by a friend. Has anyone heard of this? please

Hello and welcome Archie's daughter. I am glad you have now posted and I know you will get a lot of good advise here.
To help people here who may have had or are having the same issues you need to let them know as many details as you can. I have taken the liberty of adding some of the details from your PM. I am sure you will get some good advice and I can guide you throught the signature bit later.
I have added some of the information you gave me below as it is very important to people trying to help you here...
Gabe

"dad has a squamous cell cancer at the back of the roof of his mouth just at the side of his left tonsil.They say he will only need Radiation as it is localised but they are radiating the lymph glands in his neck just incase. So we have asked today about the staging etc."

One thing you will find during this process is that most of the people you know or have met in your daily life have never had radiation to the head and neck...however they will be quick to add their opinion on how to handle it.

Last I checked, Oil of Cloves mouthwash isn't standard in our treatment protocol, however I'd have your father talk to his "medical team" on how to handle the physical discomfort he's experiencing. This will probably cut down the chances of infection as well and probably his pain to boot.

hello everyone, I went threw radiation on my neck for for stage 1 on my larynx. i'd lay on that table up to a hour, so they could lined me up. It was so uncomable ,I hated that place. I finlly ask for zanx and what a differents it made.I sailed right threw it. Sorry about the spelling.

Beware of what well-meaning friends come up with. Of course ask the doc before doing anything. Welcome to OCF, you will find tons of info here and on the main pages. There is a search button on both. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, you will find many OCF members to guide you thru this.

Ask for magic mouthwash prescription to help ease the pain.

He can also rinse several times per day with a mix of 16oz water, tsp baking soda and tsp salt. If this burns then decrease or omit the salt.

Archie,


Your dad�s case sounds similar to mine (see my signature).

I had radiation only to the back top of the mouth (soft palet) I was early stage and my worst side effect was the ulcers. I would stick with the doctor recommended treatments. The baking soda & salt rinse that Christine mentioned is almost universal in our world.

I had a mild fentynol patch (25mg) with liquid hydracodone for breakthrough pain. My doctor offered to up those meds if I needed but I was able to get through at that level. Tell you dad not to be afraid to ask for whatever pain medications he needs. Those ulcers are very painful and his doctor should know that.

Yes Archie, you are getting the best advice. As for the olive oil , If I remember right, it's good on some foods or salad. Good luck to your dad.

lol Jim we know olive oil is good in salads but the question was re oil of cloves.
The smell of this reminds me of the dentist I have used it for toothache many years ago.
My mouth wash (Dentyl) comes in 2 �flavours�..one being oil of cloves.
Below is a couple of comments from a quick google but it is best to check with the doctors.
�A mixture of oil of cloves and tea tree oil 50/50 can help with the pain and infection caused by mouth ulcers. Apply a very small dab onto the ulcer�
�Its great as a teething preparation or for mouth ulcers.�

Cheers everyone, its great to be able to hear other comments.You want to do the right thing,and to know what others have gone through sure helps.Thank you

Gabe, I remember my mom giving her 8 BRATS that mixture for tooth aches. But it helped. Fels Naptha soap and sugar on boils too then wrapped. LOL Oh we had fun with the old time cures.