My father is undergoing adjuvant unilateral re-radiation (60Gy/30). Just a week in treatment and he is having severe side-effects! Very limited mouth opening, full of sores. Water is also hurting now. No PEG/NG tube.

RO said he is having oral infection and has put him on Povidone-iodine gargle. Yesterday, got him Mucaine (oxethazaine) Syrup to swish and spit. Tried alternating it with dispersible Diclofenac 50 mg. Both helped in momentarily relieving him of pain and he was able to eat (gulp), drink and sleep. If it gets too bad, probably will dicuss with RO for Viscous Lidocaine/Xylocaine. Already put him on Prosure and Resource in anticipation of weight loss.

During his previous radiotherapy in 2009, he was doing well until his last 2 weeks but this time onset of side-effects is pretty early. Just wondering how to cope up with remaining treatment! Feeling helpless.

All I can suggest is the magic mouthwash, a pain med and gulp, I imagine he's having a tough time because it's he second time around therefore far more sensitive! My heart goes out to him and you - I wish I had a better suggestion.... I'm sure someone will have an idea... Take care!

Hi, Eshwar
I am sorry it's so hard on your dad this time around. Is the mouth infection fungal, bactercial or both? My husband was on the anti-fungal and had a tetracycline-base swish-and-spit at the same time. He was also prescribed something call Stamford's #7 as the tetracycline-base stuff didn't do too much.

You mentioned that you feel helpless ... that is such a horrible feeling. There is an American (I think its American, the Canadians and Aussies will let me know if I'm wrong :-)) idiom that I am not sure if you are familiar with - being "in his corner". It comes from the sport of boxing, and refers to the trainer being in the fighter's corner to help him through the match. You are in your father's corner, helping him fight the beast, supporting him and cheering him on. You may feel helpless against disease and pain, but you are a very great help to your father's spiritual and emotional well being. It is a blessing to you to be able to give this help and support, and a blessing to your father to receive it.

Infection - okay - try the manuka honey - helps with infection, and healing! It's nature's hydrogen peroxide. It will Sting he'll need a pain med before! But it really helped me! Even with a mild case of thrush! Try it it can't hurt, and may help! Best of luck!

Thanks Maria and Cheryl for the guidance and support.

MO said it was infection but I did not ask if it is both. They have given him Povidone-iodine gargle but not sure if it is helping much. I'll check with MO again.

Will get Manuka honey for sure though!

Okay the honey with your dr! hope he feels better soon!

Infection gone, dad back to Baking Soda/Salt gargles. Have some relief but new sores on tongue troubling. And he is having intense pain around right ear and down to areas dissected. Hoping it should be okay by start of next week.

12/30 cycles over.

[quote=Cheryld]Okay the honey with your dr! hope he feels better soon! [/quote] Sure Cheryl will get it okayed but I need to get it first in India.

Hi Eshwar

Sorry to hear things are difficult for you and your father but your strength will get you both through it. Did you find the Manuka Honey? Maybe over the internet?

It sounds to me like your father needs some serious pain killers for a while. This would be in addition to the mouthwashes and antibacterial treatments he is already using. My Alex found Fentanyl patches a great help as well as oxycodone for break through pain. In fact, Alex thought he sailed through radiation, and I never informed him that he was on serious pain killers to ensure that happened. He was really proud of himself (and rightly so) for being so brave.

Did your doctor prescribe the diclofenac? I have a niggling feeling in the back of my head that tells me that NSAIDS of which diclofenac is one, should not be used when going through radiation treatment because of its ability to increase bleeding and cause gastric disturbances. It is just a feeling and I do not know if this is true, but please check with your doctor

Thanks Karen. I am able to get Manuka Honey on eBay but it will be sent from US or NZ so will check with doctor before ordering.

My father does seem to be in need of serious painkiller as drinking water is also being difficult for him. Finding hard for him to control his tears! Sodabicarb/Salt gargle turns all his sores bloody red.

I just ran through the prescription and he has prescribed Signoflam (Paracetamol + Aceclofenac). I shall be seeing the doctor on Tuesday.

Looks like I need more help and guidance from all of you so that I can discuss.