Ulcerated mouth, throat and tongue

Hi Alison, so sorry to read how uncomfortable you are. Have you a feeding g tube? If you have use it. It will save you a lot of pain and angst.

MOYZ672acb said:

My question is, how long are these ulcers likely to last? Do they heal during the duration of RT? It feels very daunting to have these for the next month or so. 

RT ulcers are a completely different beast from normal mouth ulcers and take a long time to heal. Mine lasted for a good few months after treatment end though they were much less painful by week 12 and I could eat well by then. In the meantime I really couldn't be done with fighting the inevitable and used my NG tube for meds and food from week 4 of RT to around 8 weeks post.

For ulcers during treatment I found Gelclair and Difflam helpful but the best was morphine. I took long acting morphine twice daily with oramorph every four hours alternated with paracetamol. 

Keeping the mouth clean is paramount and your salt/bicarb should serve you well. It;'s not easy but doable.

Hi Dani, no I don't have an NG tube though I am happy to have one if suggested. I guess I just have to carry on with good oral hygiene, washes and whatever meds are offered. My husband keeps telling ne 'this will get better' he is so positive. Thanks for your reply.

MOYZ672acb said:

Hi Dani, no I don't have an NG tube

Ask for one if you need it. Most people here seem to get a PEG or a RIG before Tx starts. Where are you being treated? 

Hi sadly like Dani says  radiotherapy ulcers don’t behave like standard ulcers I has one the full length of my tongue from week 2  and it remained until around 3 month after treatment finished. I had salt And bi carb  rinses plus gelclair. I had ng tube fitted week 3 it was my lifesaver it kept me fed hydrated and all medication went in. My ng tube allowed me to make a quick recovery  woukd ask your team tomorrow. 
best wishes 

Hazel