Mouth sores as a chemo side effect

Hi William. Yes I think it is a common side effect of Panitumab and hopefully court maybe able to help as her mum has had similar issues? Please give your 24 hour chemohelpline a ring if you’re struggling - if the mouth wash isn’t working then there may be other things that you can try.

Take care

Karen x

Hi @

Hi Ewill79 

My mum is on Cetuximab , it’s similar and cause sort skin and mouth ulcers as it attacks the protein on the tumour surface which also exits on the surface of the skin as I understand it .

She started with the mouth wash the oncologist gave her. Which did not achieve much . Her GP explained it was an entry level one and he had a Rolls Royce option and he was not wrong . Gone within a few days and never returned .

It’s a strange process with her targeted drugs as unlike chemo she seems to have some side effects for a period of time then reduces in severity . 
My mum stayed on a permanent antibiotic and had a steroid cream she kept in her fridge for her face . Don’t think she requires them Now . Speak to your team as once you get on top of the rash it’s much more manageable. They can refer to a dermatologist if needed . 
The good news is 9 months in it’s still been much easier than chemo and so far so good . 

Hi court  thank you so much for your message.

Your mum's situation sounds very familiar, I have the cream you keep in the fridge, which isn't working yet, and a box of antibiotics in case the spots become infected.

Would it be possible to ask your mum what the super duper mouthwash option she was given was?

I'm on cycle day 10 and the tin foil taste is nearly gone, and the nausia subsiding so I was really looking forward to enjoying food again even if only for a couple of days. I'm really grateful I at least have some soup in. 

Thanks again, William. 

My mum’s antibiotics are used Continuously alongside her chemo as preventative. Might be worthwhile asking if there is any value in being referred to a dermatologist.

I am taking mum to see her Gp this week . I will ask him as I know mum won’t remember.

.

I will get back to you .

The first six cycles were the worst but it honestly is so much better .

take care ,

Court 

Thank you so much court. And knowing the side effects may be less over time is a hope worth it's weight in gold. 

Hi Ewill79 ,

I had very painful mouth sores when I was on FOLFOX chemo and the only thing that would give me some relief was baking soda in lukewarm water. It only got really bad over the last 3 cycles and it got better between cycles so I was able to keep eating in between.

Hope that help,

Cecile x

Got the name but left it at mum’s. Will get it tomorrow. 

I keep trying to remember this advice but my memory is letting me down , going to bookmark this thread if that’s ok with you Cecile .

Hope you are doing well yourself .

Court 

So the GP by phone decided its might be thrush so prescribed Nystatin drops (yellow banana flavoured), and might be ulcers so Betamethasone tablets to dissolve as a mouth wash (pink). I'm still using the Difflam mouth wash (green). And on children's liquid paracetamol (pink strawberry flavour). I do one each hour in an ongoing rainbow. It's helping with the pain but I'm still on only liquids. No chewing.