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Coronavirus/COVID-19
What cancer patients, their families, and caregivers need to know about COVID-19.
Trouble Swallowing while undergoing Chemo
Joined: Mar 2009
Yes
I had to break my vitamins into small pieces and only take them when someone was in the room. I didn't want to choke on them. Chemo affects all fast moving cells. 5FU affects the throat, gum, tongue, salivary glands, tear ducts, colon, vagina, bladder... think anything moist...
Joined: Feb 2010
Thanks for the reply, I was
Thanks for the reply, I was wondering if it was just me! Been having all sorts of "stuff" happening and didn't know if I was imagining/expecting, just didn't know. Thanks!
Joined: Jan 2009
swallowing
Yes Especially cold. The doc said no cold stuff. Had to drink my water and liquids room temp. Also recommend using a straw, it helps a lot.
Pam
Joined: Jun 2006
yes yes yes
sometimes I would get liquid into my mouth and then it was almost like I had forgotten how to swollow...I just could not find the proper reflex to get things down
gone now
mags
Joined: Oct 2009
Chemo
I don't remember George complaining of this but his voice sure did change while on chemo. Of course the steroids added to it so when he would snap at me a little I would just laugh and say is that you talking or is it the alien Mr. Chemo who has invaded your body. Since it affeced his voice so much I am going to assume that it also affected his swallowing but it is not something he complained about. He did say that using a straw to drink was easier.
Take care and any questions you may have throw them out there and someone will come on to give you their experience, takes the anxiety level way down when you know, yep, that is a normal reaction.
Tina
Joined: Jul 2009
yes, I would feel like I had
yes, I would feel like I had something stuck in my throat and drink room temp water to "force" it down. That only made it worse. Then one of the oncology nurses told me to only drink warm things, that even room temp was too cold! That helped, everything went into the microwave first!
Joined: Jan 2009
Me Too Patteee!
I've had to nuke all my liquids, and now eating some cream of wheat, it hurt when I took my pills, and couldn't swallow them all the way, it felt like they were stuck in my throat, so washed it down with some nice warm pineapple soda!
Hugsss!
~Donna
Joined: Sep 2009
Glad I'm not Crazy
I thought I was just going nuts! It is so weird, it's like I can't remember how to swallow. I love this board! Confirms that you are not alone.
Pat
Joined: Apr 2010
swallowing
Many times. It really hurt too!
Joined: Aug 2008
slurry
Ask your onc. My oncologist prescribed a "slurry" for me to mix and drink and it made a world of difference. I was losing weight from not eating or drinking much due to the painful swallowing. Just a suggestion...that worked for me.
Smiles,
Dawn
Joined: Jun 2009
Yep
I sure did when on Oxy and 5FU. It doese get better!!
Brooks
Joined: Feb 2013
Swallowing
My husband had the same problem, he was in the hospital for four days before they said they couldn't find anything. They suspected a nerve that runs from your ear down your throat.
They placed him on Gabapentin 300MG three times a day. Took care of the problem and we actually went out for steak!
Joined: Feb 2013
Swallowing
My husband had the same problem, he was in the hospital for four days before they said they couldn't find anything. They suspected a nerve that runs from your ear down your throat.
They placed him on Gabapentin 300MG three times a day. Took care of the problem and we actually went out for steak!
Joined: Jan 2013
Drooling like an old woman
Wait! I am an old woman.
No really, sometimes I get liquid in my mouth and then my brain doesn't know what to do with it, so I dribble. I don't eat out any more, thats for sure.
The throat sure does constrict when something is too cold. I second and third the straw, espeicially if the mouth sore start. I've got one with a huge hole, I like that.
Ask all the questions you want.
This week after treatment I had terrible stomach cramps for days, and I came right here and asked if any one else had experienced them. This board is a wonderful place.
Good luck with your drinking, as you REALLY need to keep hydrated.
Joined: Mar 2013
Everyone's suggestions help
My dad is going through chemo and had this problem. Thanks for posting this thread, as I has my mother called the doctor and he gave him a prescription for a mouthwash. The warm liquids help as well.
Joined: Feb 2013
Whenever I start my cheom, I
Whenever I start my cheom, I need to take a nausea pill and it is so hard to get down my throat. It feels like its lodged in there. I get to where I eat a piece of bread and it makes it go down a little better. Also, can't drink anything cold at all. Sometimes room temperature is still too cold. Stinks!
Cynthia
Joined: Nov 2012
Me too
I also had problems swallowing. I was low on Potassium while going through treatment and the Onc prescribed huge Potassium tablets. It took me forever to swallow those. I could only drink liquids at room temperature or warmer, as well.
Joined: Oct 2012
hey Porkchop
i am on oxy. and the dr. said that i cant drink anything cold or handle anything cold because it could paralyze my vocal cords. it usually last about 2 weeks and if i do drink something even realitivly cold it feels like im swallowing sharp rocks. hope that helps.
Joined: Mar 2013
I had the same problems with
I had the same problems with swallowing. I could not drink anything that was even room temperature. Had to warm everything up. This lasted for me the whole six months I was on chemo. The good news is that it does go away at some point and when it does you appreciate cold drinks and foods and "normal" eating and drinking more than you ever did before! I will be praying for you as you take your journey through this.