"Magic" Mouthwash, I Need Suggestions

Father, almost 88, dx 6/12/07 stage IV tongue cancer, mets to lymph nodes both sides of neck, radiation M-F for seven weeks, Erbitux chemo once per week, finished with week two

I am going to visit my father (across the country) Aug. 23-27.  I will draw together a small celebration to honor his 88th birthday, which is one week after we leave.

My plans do not include a dinner (eating issues) or having people over (fatigue), but I will cheer the house with fresh flowers, balloons, little gifts and cards.  I am having several friends of his call with surprise birthday wishes, friends on the east coast from when he lived in CT.  He now lives in AZ.  I am concerned that he might not be able to talk by then, end of week four, but I can simply give him the phone and tell him to listen.  Hope he likes that.

Also, and the reason for this post:  Can you give me some suggestions for what I might make into a soothing package for him?

I am thinking of the following:

aloe vera lotion.

"Magic" mouthwash (Is this something I can buy?  Or is it a prescription?  Or does he have to get it from a dentist?)

a soft toothbrush

What else might soothe his skin and throat?

I know many of you have been through this treatment, and know what feels good and what works.  I am really interested in your ideas.  I would like to make up a "pretty but practical" basket of goodies that will be helpful to him.  Please, if you would kindly give me your good ideas, I would appreciate it greatly.

Thank you in advance.

Maggie

Hi Maggie,

The gift basket is a great idea. The magic mouthwash is a combination of Lydocaine, Maalox, and something else that I totally forget. If there is a Radiation Oncologist in your are you can probably talk to them or a pharmacist and have them mix this up for you. I don't think you need a prescription. You may want to ask them about a skin cream that is made specifically for radiation therapy called Biafine. I used this and didn't get a single burn and they hit me pretty hard. I would also include dried ginger candy and orage essential oils. You can get both from health food stores and they work wonders for nausea (eat the candy and smell the orange oil). Don't forget lots of tissues and paper cups for the mucositis. Good luck and I wish your father well.

Joe B 

Hi, Maggie, I am a pharmacist, and noticed your post and want to try to help you a little. Magic Mouthwash does require a prescription. Every doctor has their own formula, and the usual ingredients are: Maalox or Mylanta, Xylocaine viscous, Decadron or hydrocortisone, Benadryl, Nystatin, and sometimes tetracycline or erythromycin. The strengths of each ingredient tend to vary with doctors. My guess is that with cancer of the tongue, one of his doctors has already prescribed this for the pain or for thrush prevention, because thrush occurs with chemo and radiation to the head or neck. Good luck!

 

On 8/13/2007 Madeline Ruth wrote:

Hi, Maggie, I am a pharmacist, and noticed your post and want to try to help you a little. Magic Mouthwash does require a prescription. Every doctor has their own formula, and the usual ingredients are: Maalox or Mylanta, Xylocaine viscous, Decadron or hydrocortisone, Benadryl, Nystatin, and sometimes tetracycline or erythromycin. The strengths of each ingredient tend to vary with doctors. My guess is that with cancer of the tongue, one of his doctors has already prescribed this for the pain or for thrush prevention, because thrush occurs with chemo and radiation to the head or neck. Good luck!

First, thank you, AND to the person who posted previously.  In the meantime I called my pharmacy and discovered that, yes, Magic Mouthwash does require a prescription.  The Biafine that the previous poster spoke of also requires a prescription. 

I have an open communication with my father's doctors so can question them about whether they have prescribed this yet.

Would Chapstick be all right to use if his lips get dry and cracked?  Or is Vaseline better?  Or do you have any other suggestions for me for skin and throat care? 

Thank you both so much for taking an interest in helping me.  I appreciate you for taking the time.

Maggie

There is a product called Biotene Mouth Rinse, which is over the counter, that is good for the dry mouth. Biotene also makes an oral spray to use as needed and a toothepaste for dry mouth. There is another new product called Oasis that I have heard good feedback regarding. It is a mouth rinse too. Chapstick is certainly fine---Vaseline makes a lip therapy that may be more moisturizing, but he may think it too greasy. I have a friend with Sjorgren's Syndrome which causes extreme dry mouth, and she uses a lip balm made by Badger and it is in a cocoa butter base. She swears by it and says it is the best she has found. You can find these balms usually at co-ops or "earthy" stores. Also available on-line. Good luck!

My dad liked oasis better than biotene when his radiation treatment was about half over. He said it didn't taste quite as terrible. Also there is an over the counter spray for moisturizing and there is a prescription rinse (just for moisture) I dont' remember the name of it but it started with an "N".

 

On 10/13/2007 Glitterrgirl wrote:

My dad liked oasis better than biotene when his radiation treatment was about half over. He said it didn't taste quite as terrible. Also there is an over the counter spray for moisturizing and there is a prescription rinse (just for moisture) I dont' remember the name of it but it started with an "N".

nystatin ,,,ive got cancer of the head neck and throat and i have had several bouts with thrush and magic mouthwash ,,the magic mouthwash works great but with the nystatin it gives you more relief ,,,i tried the bio-teen and that hurt!! it felt like i had just washed my mouth with hydrogen peroxide...i think that you can get nystatin over the counter im with hospice so they get my meds for me and have them deliever to my house once a week...