More Chemo

Hi Rick,

Glad to read this post. Sometimes all we need is a glimmer of hope to continue the fight. Sounds like you have more than a glimmer. While I don't have experience with mouth sores due to chemo, it would seem to me that the methods to reduce the discomfort and pain of mouth sores from chemo would be the same as mouth sores from rads. A mouth sore is a mouth sore right? I survived the mouth sores until the end of treatment. Then it was PEG time. I know DonFoo put together an organized regiment of mouth sore remedy use that effectively got him through treatment without having to get a PEG and there are a few others that managed as well. I'm sure they'll chime in.

So the usual... baking soda/salt/glutamine rinses and Magic Mouthwash would be effective. Biotene Dry Mouth toothpaste for dental care was great when my mouth was hamburger.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

You should do pretty well on methotrexate.  It is an old-line drug, that has been used to treat certain cancers, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis for many years.  Probably fifty years.  Oral ulcers are fairly common, but you should not need a PEG tube.  Bone marrow suppression can also be seen, but if side effects become a problem there is a second drug they can give to revverse the toxicities, called a rescue factor. Methotrexate is certainly nowhere near the top  of tthe list in terms of making life miserable, so my hope is you get a good response and just carry on.

Pat

I think the mom in the testimonial I saw on the site was talking about her son having mouth sores from chemo, not radiation. It seemed to help both me and Phrannie!

I hopped on the Mugard bandwagon which kept them at bay.  When I started the 5FU chemo tho, I got the pump off after wearing it for 4 days, and woke up with my lips were lined with sores.  I quit using the Mugard when I finished rads in June, so my mouth wasn't at all prepared for what this chemo was going to do.  I honestly don't think I would have gotten through the 9 weeks of 5FU without my PEG.  One thing tho...you've had this chemo twice, and so far no sores.....so you might not get them??  To be safe tho, maybe ask the Onc for Mugard....do 3 or 4 swish and swallows with it every day.

p 

rick, so glad 2 c u posting!!  very happy to read that you haven't given up and in fact have decided to fight!  know that we r all praying for a miracle for u.

dj

Been wondering about you !  I can't answer any questions on chemo.....but am reading any and all because this will be my life-line last defense against the demon lurking.  I'm keeping you in my thoughts that this will beat the beast back a bit, please keep us posted Rick !  Hugs sent !  Katie

Rick,

Like so many others I am thrilled to see that you and your team have re-loaded. Positive vibes being sent out to all of us. josh r.

ToBeGolden said:

Thank You

Thank you for your kind words, encouragement, and advice. I do receive Methotrexate via IV injection. (An infusion over a couple of minutes.) I also get some anti-nausia meds at the same time. Unforturnately, I am running a fever again, which may limit the chemo. Nothing is certain. And all of my treatments have come up short. So I'm not all that hopeful. But all I can do is attempt to tolerate the treatments that are suggested. Thanks Rick.

I also used Caphosol (?) I did not have mouth sores in my mouth but my lips were horrific. The ONC blamed the sores on rads and the Rad ONC blamed them on the chemo. I too was told to check my insurance before filling the script becausee of the expense. My insurance did cover it. Hope the fever subsides and you can resume tx soon.

God bless,

Candi