Sore Throat During Radiation

Husband has base of tongue cancer and is undergoing chemoradiation x30.  A holistic doctor told me of the benefit of aloe vera "gargle", however, the radiation oncologist only recommends salt/baking soda, aloe gel and aquaphor on outside skin.  Does anyone have comments or can supply literature about aloe vera gargle during radiation to the neck area? Benefits and contraindications is what I am looking for. 

Ia m only presuming here, but I would say the aloe may sting a little but no more than the salt would.  go to www.coatsaloe.com and read all about how effective aloe is on this type of wound.  You have to be careful on the type of aloe you get.  Ihad the most severe vocal chord ulcer and the doctors tried everything they had, the only way it healed was with 3-4 times  daily gargle with this coats aloe.  The doctor may not be aware of some natural products and probably thinks that heavy gel or something similar is what you are speaking of. My dog had an immune disorder and terrible sores, we did antibiotics, Steroids, you name it but the wounds only healed after internal and external aloe was added.  The vet was very impressed and took a bottle for himself only today.  Often main stream md's are not aware of the benefits of natural healing. Myself I used natural healing to rid myself of end stage cancer but I was an oncology nurse so I have seen both sides.  All the best. MMS

On 1/26/2008 Hacksaw wrote:

Husband has base of tongue cancer and is undergoing chemoradiation x30.  A holistic doctor told me of the benefit of aloe vera "gargle", however, the radiation oncologist only recommends salt/baking soda, aloe gel and aquaphor on outside skin.  Does anyone have comments or can supply literature about aloe vera gargle during radiation to the neck area? Benefits and contraindications is what I am looking for. 

My best success came from gargling with Hydrogen Peroxide. 50/50 mix w/ water. I'd do it 4 x's a day, then I'd do baking soda mix 4 x's a day. But in reality I believe the best thing for my mouth sores was the L-Glutamine Powder. 10g's 3x's per day.

Good luck, hang in there. It is tough.

All your replies are really appreciated by a real newbie...just diagnosed last Friday, had my consult yesterday, mask completed today, and first of 33 treatments to begin on Friday.  Alot of your comments scare me a bit about all of the upcoming pain in the throat, but still appreciated.  Thanks for sharing for others like me.

Mike

On 1/30/2008 Mike1sc wrote:

All your replies are really appreciated by a real newbie...just diagnosed last Friday, had my consult yesterday, mask completed today, and first of 33 treatments to begin on Friday.  Alot of your comments scare me a bit about all of the upcoming pain in the throat, but still appreciated.  Thanks for sharing for others like me.

 

Mike