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Facemask & previous oral cancer

MrsA
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Hey everyone. 

 

I was diagnosed with an early tongue cancer last year and although was lucky not to need chemotherapy or radiotherapy, did need to have 2x separate laser surgeries to remove the cancer. I have been doing okay, apart from fatigue and anxiety. However, since COVID19 And my role as a nurse, I have had to protect myself and my patients with the face masks. 

I have really struggled wearing these and have been in so much pain as I am reliant on saliva replacement and the masks exacerbate the dryness of my mouth regardless of how much I use. This has now reached a point where my mouth is covered in ulcers - I am spending today doing salt rinses to prevent infection but wanted to enquire if a colleague had any advice for me who has been through something similair? 

 

Thanks in advance

  • Hello MrsA,

    I'm sorry to hear that you have been, understandably, strugling with wearing face masks. Have you spoken to your doctor to see if there's something that you could use that would make you at least a bit more comfortable on your day-to-day?

    I hope some of our members will pop out soon with suggestions, however if you don't hear from them do consider giving our friendly team of nurses a call to see if they can help. They're available on this phone number 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

     

    Hi Mrs A,

    I am sorry to hear about your dry mouth, being that much worse with having to wear masks. I am in a similar position with wearing masks. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years and, have suffered with dry mouth due to medication.

    I use glandosane spray and Salivix pastilles to try and keep my mouth a little moister. I have still had problems with Thrush infection and mouth ulcers despite using these, but found that Ambesol gel, which has Lidocaine in it, was the only preparation that helped me. The only trouble with it is that it is a strong taste and, it doesn't do much for your enjoyment of food while you're using it.

    Please keep in touch and let us know if any of these suggestions help you at all. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine. 

     

    Thank you so much for your response. I have been using glandosane spray for months now, which did initially help but the soothing feeling doesn't last long enough now due to the current mask usage.

     

    I also have the gel but due to my work I cannot apply this for obvious reasons. 

     

    My GP has prescribed me Benzydamine mouth wash to see if this can help so I'm hopeful that it may, this evening will be the first time I try it when I am on duty. 

    I do like the idea of a pastille though, so will enquire about these next week. 

     

    Thank you so much for your response and your suggestions, I really appreciate it. 

     

    Take care and stay safe 

    Amy x 

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