Hi just an update on my end. Two weeks into treatment things were going pretty well. Few side effects except less saliva. Of course last night thrush erupted and now I have a side effect that I was assured at the start my tongue/neck radiation would not appear - painful swallowing. It hurts so much to swollow that it reminds me of the weeks after partial glossectomy. I nearly broke down this morning. I had braced myself for ulcers, lack of taste, sensitivity, lack of saliva etc, but I never thought I would have difficulty swallowing. It’s driving me close to the edge emotionally. I’m so angry about it, anger usually being a sign of depression for me. Doc says it should get better in a couple of days after starting the antifungal mouthwash but nurse said a week. Starting pain meds today though not looking forward to being loopy and severely constipated.

I had thrush too, even though I kept (and still do) my mouth so clean. OC treatment and recovery is just the gift that keeps on giving. It will get better, I promise

Hopefully with treatment this had gotten better? My mouth was probably more painful with thrush than at the end of my treatment. Stupid yeast!

Thanks for the reply. Still have thrush but that was not what was causing the excruciating pain every time I swallowed. The back part my tongue has swollen so much that I was having difficulty even swallowing small pills - they could barely get through. Each time I swallowed the top of my tongue basically scraped the top of my mouth. Doctor has given me liquid steroid wash to shrink swelling. Has helped a bit. Doc thinks it might have been an allergic reaction to Norco painkiller. I’m left hoping that the mucositis will become the worst of my problems. Anything but the swelling!

I’m sorry for you troubles! Thrush is very common in oral cancer patients, and can be painful. If left untreated, it can go to the throat, stomach and other areas, where it’s considered disseminated candiasis and dangerous! It’s usually treated with antifungal medications like clotromizole, flucomizole (spell) and other medications. Impeccable oral care is also important.

Halfway done. The oxy is helping with the painful mucositis, though there are still unfortunately sores on the roof of
my mouth - way in the back - that are causing discomfort as every time i swallow, the rear of my tongue rubs against them. There is an sore near the tip of my tongue which is causing trouble. Luckily my sense of taste isn’t bad - can still taste chocolate and vanilla. I guzzle three shakes a day and have maintained my weight. I’m tired a lot but for some reason i find it easier to sleep during daytime than I do at night, which is frustrating. I think my face is swelling because the radiation mask is becoming very tight. Overall this could be a lot worse, so I should be thankful for that - but i don’t know what the next three weeks will bring. Will keep you updated. Hope everyone is staying safe (and sane) during this virus craziness.