Hi, new to this forum, I have been reading for a few weeks this is my first post. My husband is currently 2 weeks into RT for stage 4 scc HPV + 65 and non-smoker, on tonsil and tumors on lymph nodes. (Am still very confused with all this forums use of abbreviations etc) He has had 1session of cisplatin and another next week. We are well informed about the eating and swallowing problems, but I am really concerned that he his having so much pain and difficulty swallowing so soon. We have another 4 weeks to go yet! I hate being a bully and know its difficult, what sort of pain medication can he ask for? He has got a lidocane mouthwash that helps a bit....when he can take it, only every 6 hours. He has lost 3lb in weight this week despite high protein stuff, and blended food. Any advice?

Hi Keera, sorry you had to be here. It is going to be a uphill taks for you as well as your husband. Your husband is going through Concurrent Chemo-radiotherapy. 4 x weekly cisplatin + 60 Gy (approx) radiotherapy, fractionated daily for 4 weeks.

You husband needs to take lot of water (it will be difficult as water will taste differently) as it will help him heal quickly. Oral hygiene needs to be maintained to avoid thrush.

Lidocaine contain local anesthasia so the relief would be only temporary. Saltwater+Soda Bicarb mouthwash will help.

Kindly go through this link at NHS (UK) Site: http://www.christie.nhs.uk/booklets/463.pdf

It is general advisory and do consult your doctor.

Wish you all the best and be assured that we all are there for you and your husband.

Hi keera,
Perhaps you can ask your doctor about inserting a PEG tube (feeding tube inserted directly into stomach). The idea of it is more difficult than the actual use of it. Eric had one from the beginning of treatment but didn't use it until about the third week. It has been a lifesaver..and yes, you can maintain and gain weight from strictly ingesting Ensure! It also helps with keeping him hydrated which is essential for healing.
Keep encouraging him to swallow, even if just a mouthful of applesauce or sips of water each day to keep his "swallowing memory" intact. Good luck!

Call your doctor and discuss the PEG tube option NOW. Do not wait.

Keera, welcome to OCF! I have sent you a link which will help you with the abbreviations and other things on the forum.

Your husband's weight is something that needs to be closely monitored. Losing 3 pounds is alot for such a short time. Every single day he needs a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. If you can get him to take in more thats even better! This will play a huge role in how easily he gets thru treatments. He MUST drink daily no matter how difficult it becomes.

Talk to his doctor about a feeding tube. If he cant get adequate nutrition then he will have a very hard time of it. Rads build up and get progressively harder. They continue to work even though treatments have ended. Dont delay on this as your husband could very quickly become dehydrated and malnourished. That can require hospitalization. You can also ask for him to get hydrated in the hospital a few days a week as a precaution. this will help him to stay on track.

Best wishes!!!

Thanks everyone for the replies. We saw the Dr yesterday and it turns out he has a big yeast infection, so has been given nystatin mouthwash and fluconazole to treat it. We should see an improvement in a couple of days. I hope we don't get to needing a tube, and he is trying to keep the swallowing going. Will keep going! X