Hi All, Today my dad has 21 treatments left and 2 chemos. He will be getting one tomorrow. Friday was a big turn time for my dad. He has lost his tastebuds, his tongue is completely swollen, his top of his mouth is a like a sand pad and his side of his mouth "twisting very tight" feeling. He was unable to swollow food today and doesn't have a peg tube in yet.

He is just miserable. Please if anyone has advice on this situation I would love it. Also, is this what you all went thru?

Thanks.

Cindy, yes, this is what I went through. Except I had a PEG ready for the moment all that stuff suddenly got very bad. Is he getting a PEG tube in soon?

What I did that also helped was I rinsed my mouth with water/baking soda and a little salt every hour at least. I also was prescribed something called "Gelclair" which helped for a while (then it started stinging my mouth too) and I had a swish and swallow rinse that I used and then a numbing swish and spit one that calmed the worst of the pain at times. I assume your Dad has been or can be prescribed these things--theya re fairly common for treating patients going through this.

I also started taking prescription painkillers around week 3--is your Dad taking something so his pain is controlled?

Nelie

Cindy, Since he doesn't have a peg, he will have to be watched very closely for dehydration problems. Amy

Thanks. You guys are great! He has pain killers but, fighting it. He does have the gel clair. Do patients get hospitalized during treatments because of hydration or food issues to finish treatments?

I am sure the peg tube will be going soon. I will report back tomorrow after he sees his medical onocologist and his chemo.

I consulted with a Gasto at the beginning of treatment. Had the PEG installed on 24hrs notice when it was required. GET a PEG it will be beneficial and necessary. At worst you will have a 2nd navel.
Darrell

Cindy I second what darrel says get your dad hooked up with a gastro doctor to get a peg tube asap, my radiologist insisted that I get one before my treatment started, they said it is more complicated to put one in once treatment is started, I am glad I did because there was very little that I could eat while doing radiation. That being said I am getting my peg out tomorrow after 102 days but man did I need it and use it.Best of luck and be strong for your dad.
always lenny

Hello Cindy,

Your Dad has to be able to input enough nutrients and water to heal. If he can't swallow due to pain or whatever I would see about getting the PEG installed. It's a simple procedure and takes about 20 minutes. It was a lifesaver for me.
Some without use a swish and swallow medicine to numb up the mouth and throat which may allow him to eat. Good luck with everything.

If he gets a peg have the doctor write a script for the food and syringes he will need. My insurance company paid for all of that stuff.

Danny Boy