Mouth Ulcer-- any tips?

swimmer22
swimmer22 Member Posts: 60
edited November 2011 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I've just completed my second post surgery chemotherapy treatment. I am on folfiri and first round developed an ulcer on the inside of my bottom lip. It lasted about 2 days and resolved. Now, this round, I have one in the exact same place although I've had this one 4 days. Any tips to make these heal faster. I've just been using a salt water rinse about 2 times a day. Thanks.

Comments

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #2
    Magic Mouthwash
    I've heard folks here say that their oncologists can prescribe "Magic Mouthwash" that helps with the symptoms.

    I did not have that one, I had another type of mouthwash, but can't recall the name at the moment.

    I did Folfiri too and know how painful they can be.

    Check w/doc.

    -Craig
  • laurettas
    laurettas Member Posts: 372
    #3
    Multiple times
    My husband discovered that he needed to do the saline rinse multiple times a day to keep the side effects to a minimum. Still gets a sensitive tongue but no actual sores.
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #4
    My "magic mouthwash"
    equal parts salt and baking soda kept in a jar in the bathroom. Whenever I went in, I scooped a spoonful into a cup of lukewarm water, mixed it, and rinsed with it. I had very few mouth sores.

    Note: I did this regularly regardless of where I was in my chemo cycle. It was just routine.
  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    #5
    Prescription mouth wash
    I get mouth sores after my chemo treatments and they are painful. My onc has a prescription that works for me...It is one I get at CVS and the pharmasist makes up. It is Hydrocodo/Ibuprofend/Dipennis mixture. Suppose to take one teaspoon every 4 hrs as needed. You my want to ask your onc about this. Praying all goes well.
    Jeff
  • here4lfe
    here4lfe Member Posts: 306 Member
    #6
    steveandnat said:

    Prescription mouth wash
    I get mouth sores after my chemo treatments and they are painful. My onc has a prescription that works for me...It is one I get at CVS and the pharmasist makes up. It is Hydrocodo/Ibuprofend/Dipennis mixture. Suppose to take one teaspoon every 4 hrs as needed. You my want to ask your onc about this. Praying all goes well.
    Jeff

    Magic Mouthwash
    My wife also uses Alum, the stuff you make pickles with.

    Best
  • swimmer22
    swimmer22 Member Posts: 60
    #7
    here4lfe said:

    Magic Mouthwash
    My wife also uses Alum, the stuff you make pickles with.

    Best

    I'm trying it all!
    Thanks everyone, I've increased my mouth rinsing and have added baking soda to the routine. I plan to try the Alum route too (just have to buy some today). I appreciate your helpfulness.
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    #8
    L-Glutamine powder
    The PA at my onc office recommended L-glutamine powder. You can find it in powder form at health food stores. You wet a finger with water, dip it into the powder, then dab it on the sore spot in your mouth. It really does seem to help it heal up. I also take L-lysine tablets- also known for healing mouth sores (and cold sores). The sooner after first discovering the sores, the better it works.
    I've tried the magic mouthwash, but hated how it made my tongue and entire mouth numb. I still have it on hand, but prefer to use the lysine and L-glutamine.

    Good luck!

    Lisa
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642
    #9
    lisa42 said:

    L-Glutamine powder
    The PA at my onc office recommended L-glutamine powder. You can find it in powder form at health food stores. You wet a finger with water, dip it into the powder, then dab it on the sore spot in your mouth. It really does seem to help it heal up. I also take L-lysine tablets- also known for healing mouth sores (and cold sores). The sooner after first discovering the sores, the better it works.
    I've tried the magic mouthwash, but hated how it made my tongue and entire mouth numb. I still have it on hand, but prefer to use the lysine and L-glutamine.

    Good luck!

    Lisa

    Mouth Wash
    Hi: I did get mouth sores some times from the oxaliplatin + irenotecan + 5Fu chemo treatment (I just finished treatment 12). I was prescibed this mouth wash (which worked really really really well!): benzydamine Hcl 0.15%. You swish, gargle, and spit 1 tspn every 2-4 hrs. I usually did it before each meal and before bed.
    Cheryl
  • have2believe
    have2believe Member Posts: 134
    #10
    Also try Biotene toothpaste
    In addition to magic mouthwash, my mom also uses Biotene toothpaste. She says it's not as harsh as regular toothpaste and doesn't sting.
  • laurettas
    laurettas Member Posts: 372
    #11
    have2believe said:

    Also try Biotene toothpaste
    In addition to magic mouthwash, my mom also uses Biotene toothpaste. She says it's not as harsh as regular toothpaste and doesn't sting.

    Forgot
    The toothpaste comment reminded me that I forgot that my husband also quit using regular toothpaste and began to use just baking soda to brush with--like we did when we were young!

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