Hi all, great info and support here - I can tell. My father was diagnosed with base of the tongue cancer T2N2AM0 on 07/03/08 - he starts 6 weeks of RT - the usual 15 minutes M-F and will have chemo once a week for six weeks at same time (Cystoplast....something (SP?))

Have learned a lot but still have the following questions:
what about teeth protector? he has been to dentist to have primary work but on here I have seen use of teeth protector and no ne has mentioned it for him....
I have also heard about cream for the rad but rad doctor has said to use pure alovera gel only - thoughts?
What about shots for salivary gland salvage? no one has said anything about this - feedback?
Also best mouth rinse and advice on detnal care

We will of course rely on his doctors but feedback and your thoughts would be helpful

He is young (64) in good health otherwise - great attitude and terrified at same time - super support group! Thank you.

Hi helpingdad, welcome to the forum. I'm not sure about most of your questions but there will be plenty of people who can shed some light on it for you. As far as mouth rinse goes, I was advised by my Consultant to use Corsodyl mouthwash and I've used it ever since. If I run out and dont use it for a few days my mouth starts playing up so I think it's pretty good stuff. All the best to you and your dad. Hagg.

Hello HelpingDad! Thank YOU for being such a wonderful caregiver!. My hubby completed chemo/radiation at the end of February for T2N1 base of tongue cancer. Prior to his therapy (7 and 1/2 weeks radiation, 3 cisplatin (which was switched to another platinum based drug due to tolerance issues), he had almost complete teeth extractions due to the certain radiation effect on his already poor dentition. Aquaphor ointment (with many equal generics) was recommended during his radiation and seemed to soften the radiation effect on his neck. Salivary gland salvage? Hmm... the only thing I know about Ethyol is that the side effects currently outweigh any benefit, but please talk to the medical pros about this as well. Biotene mouthwash has just recently been recommended as my hubby continues with saliva problems, intermittent severe dryness/hypersalivation... hope I was of some help... feel free to PM me with any questions... I will help in any way!... God bless you and I hope your dad tolerates this all very well!!...... sounds like his great attitude will go a long way to recovery!!!
Nancy

Thanks so much for the posts - I know you all know how much it means

Hi,

I've just completed 6 weeks of radiation. Here are some of the things that seem to help me. For a toothpaste and mouthwash I have been using a product called Biotene. It seems to work pretty good.


Kickersmom mentioned a shot called Ethyol for help with salivary gland salvage. I was given ethyol with my radiation treatments, and I can't say yet if it helped with the salivary glands yet, but it did help prevent the symptons of sore throat and mouth sores. There are side effects, but I took an anti-nausau pill before the shot and it seemed to work. You must also drink plenty of water, gatorade, etc. I did have a bad reaction to it though on the days when I was given my Erbitux infusion. I suffered from high fever and infection. We stopped the ethyol on those days and all went well since.

I also used Aquaphor ointmnet (still am) and it does help keep the skin moist. I did have my hubby go out and buy me a bunch of very cheap t-shirts though because the ointment is messy and was ruining my good t-shirts.

I hope some of this helps. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, hope all goes well for your Dad, but remember to take care of yourself also. That's also important.

Hope all goes well, Cricket

Thanks for the feedback Cricket - i so appreciate it M

Hi Helping Dad,

I echo the use of Biotene... not too strong or minty. I found the non-alcoholic rinses to sometimes have too strong a mint flavor that sent me through the roof...

Definitely no alcohol based rinses....will burn too much (my experience anyway)

Nothing to offer on the skin protection...I didn't do so well there in that area...

best wishes to your dad and to you...

bob (pembo)

Hi

Please see: Radiotherapy (skin protection) and other tips in the 'Helpful Tips' forum.

Best wishes
Vinod