#76176 06-25-2008 05:19 PM | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 | Hi, I am new here, my mum is 68 and has oral cancer, her second occurrence and this time it is terminal and she is receiving palliative care.
She came off palliative Chemo two months ago and the swelling of her face has progressively got a lot worse, in particular her lips and under her eyes. The doctors all say there is nothing they can do about it but I read some where on here a while ago that some patients used steroid creams with good results.
I would be grateful if anyone can tell me the names of the steroids and their experience using them or any other things that worked for them.
Ray ( I am female, my name confuses some people) | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Hi Ray,
I cannot help with this one but I am sure others can.
Welcome to the OCF Site. Where are you from in Australia?
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 | thank you
Toowoomba, about an hour from brisbane. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I used Aquafor and aloe very jell that is full strength. I think the aquafor is what made my face and neck clear up so fast.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I used Aquafor and aloe very jell that is full strength. I think the aquafor is what made my face and neck clear up so fast.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 3 | Thanks EzJim, but i am not sure that will help as the swelling is caused from the advancing tumors (that's what the doctors say)
Any other suggestion would be greatly appreciated as the swelling is making things really hard for mum and setting off depression in her because she wont leave the house because of how she looks.
Ray | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Hi Ray and welcome
when robs cancer reocurred the worst syptom he suffered was massive facial swelling.His lips were twice the size,his eyes were nearly closed it looked absolutely terrible.When he was taken over by the palliative care consultant he started him on a very high dose of oral steroids.within 24 hours the swelling had gone,and as long as he took the tablets it didn't come back.when he was in the hospice they reduced the dose slightly because he bacame a little angry which is a side effect of long term use of steroids,but this was a small price to pay for the relief he got.
I hope you can find some relief for your problem,but topical steroids is not the answer i am afraid.
liz
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
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