How to sooth the sore throat

My husband was diagnosed with throat cancer a few weeks ago.  He will have is first treatment of radiation next week.  I have heard and read about how sore the throat becomes as radiation continues.  He will be receiving treatment for about 4 to 6 weeks.  Can anyone tell me how long it takes before he starts to feel the pain?  Also, what can he do, in addition to the medications provided by his doctors, can he take to soothe the pain?  I appreciate your comments and suggestions. 

Many prayers to all.

Hi RMD,

I can't actually remember how long into treatment that the pain kicks in. For myself I got my family to buy an aloe vera plant. Each night after treatment I would cut a small piece of the plant and rub the gel from inside the leaf onto my neck. I would also but a small amount into my mouth and try to swallow it. Remember that radiation is like microwaves and will burn the tissue, I didn't get any burn marks on my neck and I really believe this was because of the aloe. Other things to remember take pain medication regularly and don't wait till the pain gets bad. Also if your husband gets exercises to do for his swallow make sure to do them, this might be painful but it is important. I wish him well with his treatment. Keep positive, I was stage four and after treatment I am cancer free for three years now, Take care,

Noreen 

On 10/10/2008 Noreen_D wrote:

Hi RMD,

I can't actually remember how long into treatment that the pain kicks in. For myself I got my family to buy an aloe vera plant. Each night after treatment I would cut a small piece of the plant and rub the gel from inside the leaf onto my neck. I would also but a small amount into my mouth and try to swallow it. Remember that radiation is like microwaves and will burn the tissue, I didn't get any burn marks on my neck and I really believe this was because of the aloe. Other things to remember take pain medication regularly and don't wait till the pain gets bad. Also if your husband gets exercises to do for his swallow make sure to do them, this might be painful but it is important. I wish him well with his treatment. Keep positive, I was stage four and after treatment I am cancer free for three years now, Take care,

Noreen 

Hi Noreen

Thanks for the advice.  I will go buy one this week.  I am very happy to know that you have been cancer free for three years.  That is very encouraging.  Our doctor told use that my husband has the mildest form of cancer that he's ever seen and that's due to early detection.  On a scale of 1 to 10 he said his cancer is a 3.  What a blessing. 

Well...thanks again and I pray that you continue to stay cancer free.

Best Wishes,

RMD