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Oral Capecitabine

Darlek
  • 2 replies
  • 36 subscribers
  • 108 views

Hi I’m on oral chemo 2 weeks on 1 week off 2150 dose am and again pm. I’m also on IV infusion of Pembro every 3 weeks. I’m on cycle 4 with 4 more to go. This treatment is part of a clinical trial as I had no pathological response to treatment prior to surgery for TNBC.

My question is. I’m having continued problems with dry mouth ulcers and have had oral thrush twice in the mouth. I keep it at bay with oral mouth wash etc as advised by my nurse/oncologist. However I now keep waking up to a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. After lots of water I can usually make it better. Is this oral thrush in the throat? Can I make it better with the mouthwashes? If not treated can it be serious?

I have spoken to my nurse and advised to keep an eye and if gets worse to call them. I also have clinic next Wednesday so will ask someone to take a look. Can you give advice on any additional things I can do to ease the problem in the meantime.

Thanks in anticipation 

  • Hi Darlek

     

    My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to read you are having side effects and symptoms with your drug therapy as part of a clinical trial. It must be difficult to manage these symptoms and a worrying time for you.

    It sounds like an uncomfortable and painful time, Mouth problems can be a side effect of treatments and I am reassured that you have already spoken to your nurse regarding this.

    We don’t have access to your medical notes here on the Ask a Nurse forum, and you have mentioned that your symptoms are persisting and feeling sore.

    We would advise calling your clinical trials team and letting them know your symptoms are still causing you issues; they may be able to offer you further medications including pain killers to ease the symptoms.

    Best to do this as soon as possible rather than waiting for the appointment next Wednesday.

    However, if your symptoms worsen, we advise contacting NHS111 or attending your local Accident and Emergency department for a clinical review.

    Cancer and cancer treatment side effects can also make eating problematic. It is worth reading our advice on Managing eating problems there are some handy tips on what to try when your mouth is sore.

    It sounds like this is understandably getting you down, it is normal for cancer treatment to affect your emotional well-being too, sometimes it's easier to talk on the phone if you are able to consider giving us a call – we are so much better at providing information and support in sensitive situations such as these when we can talk together. Our contact details are The Macmillan support team on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8 am-8 pm).

    Take Care

    Gemma.

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref:GeS/KA

  • in reply to Gemma S - Macmillan

    Thank you for your advice. It’s good to know help is out there. I will continue to stay in close contact with the medical team looking after me. They are brilliant  

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