Oscar, I finished Rad in November and used a mouth rinse of salt water, baking soda and water four times a day and had only minor mouth sores for about 3 days, I found that this worked the best for me. This allowed me to go thru Rad without any pain and I did not have a PEG Tube. Bob

Bob,

I think that the baking soda/salt water mixture works pretty well also...I'm using it every two hours and it seems to help. I also gargle for a few minutes with it, doing a nice turbo wash garle to get out all of the mucous. Then the other stuff seems to be more effective.

Right now, I've found some relief from the pain I was experiencing last week. I actually got to eat a halfway decent meal this evening, thank God.

Oscar

Oscar, at this point, you have to celebrate every the little things!!!


Eating a half way decent meal...Whooo Hooo!!!!!!!

Pain Relief!!!! Hurray!!!!! Go Oscar!!!!

1/2 way through, priceless. You are well on your way!!!!

Oscar and Jenna,

My husband (had induction chemo followed by 7 weeks of IMRT and chemo) and is about 10 weeks post-treatment and doing well except for anemia. He got bad mouth sores and severe mucositis by around week 5 or 6 and they lasted for some time after treatment. He got his first mouth sores during the induction chemo but got them pretty well under control until after the midpoint of chemo/radiation. We did everything "right" and it was still really rough. Some people's mouths just break down more and some get bad mucosities no matter how much they rinse. His mucous was so bad he got a suction machine. He was on fentanyl which helped. The good news is that he is so much better now and his mucous is fine and he has no pain. He is finally eating pretty well. It seems endless and so scary at the time when you have strong side effects (and very difficult at times for your caregiver) but it does end and get better.

Lots of positive thoughts going your way from me- Sophie T.

It's no wonder I am in this site so much. I enjoy reading everyones post and learn something from each one. I might not post each one but do read all the posts. This being my main family I feel for each and every one here. Luv Ya all

Hi Oscar,
You must be about one week ahead of my friend Mary who just finished her 17th treatment today. She also has had some fairly severe mucositis, after a mild bout with thrush. Her docs suggessted increasing the baking soda rinses to every few hours.
She is no longer able to take in any solids and is living on PEG feedings and protein shakes.
She said to me today, "I can't wait to have some REAL food!"

So, hang in there Oscar! Glad to hear you were able to eat a real meal!!
Liz