Mouth ulcers and sore gums

Hi  my story of treatment on profile if you want to read feel free .

I had mouth ulcers ,oral thrush etc  recommended use a child’s soft battery brush so gentle on gums . Yes unit will supply meds but they also said try bonjela again not too harsh . Sucking on frozen bits of fruit can help 

Sore  scalp could be prelude to hair loss ..it can get very painful at roots just before a loss. I can remember standing in a breeze trying to hold hair down to stop pain . 
I had chosen not to use cold cap and was on EC x 6 so knew hair would go but nobody told me the possibility of it hurting ! 
hope you feel better soon 

Hi Gezelda

its horrible isn’t it I fortunately only had them after 1st chemo but did the hospital give you Gelclair that’s the only thing that worked for me it’s prescription only and not unpleasant to take also child’s soft toothbrush was also recommended. My scalp hasn’t been too sore I only have 2 left and it’s started to grow slightly. Good luck with your treatment xx 

Hi Northerner Thank you xx

Thank you Missy60

I have a very dry mouth and was given Difflam mouthwash which I use regularly although I'm not sure how much it helps. I had a very sore tongue for while which made eating really difficult but was given anti-fungal Nystan, which definitely helped.

Re the sore scalp, I was wearing a bamboo beanie overnight (to keep head warm) while my hair was coming out, then realised the beanie was actually catching my hair and pulling it, causing the sore scalp. We 'bit the bullet' - firstly my husband cut my hair really short (74 year-old punk....) left it a couple of days and then used a wet razor and soap to get my scalp as bald as possible (didn't have a suitable electric razor). That helped but there's still occasional stubble (after 3 sessions EC chemo) which we try to shave now and again.

I do feel there's more your support team could be doing so don't give up!

Hope you feel better soon!

1. Thank you Miggle and Missy60 I have gelclair and another mouthwash also my Support Nurse rang me on Monday afternoon and said try ibuprofen alternating with paracetamol.  That's helped with the pain Also aspirin mouthwash.  So with the 3 mouthwashes,  soft toothbrushes and painkillers I'm coping a lot better Thank you!  Nurse said it is usually 2 days where its unbearable at least knowing that I know it will be alright.  X onwards and upwards to enjoy Christmas Day before Chemo 3 xxx

Hi Gezelda during first chemo (EC) I was told to suck on ice just whilst the red liquid was being given.  Haven’t suffered too much with sore mouth and gums so maybe it worked for me.  If they do feel a bit sore I skip the morning clean with a toothbrush and put some toothpaste on the end of my finger instead.  
Know what you mean re sore scalp.  I used the cold cap but yesterday had that tingly root ache feeling and bit of hair loss but so far none today! 
Hope the side effects ease soon and you can really enjoy Christmas x

Wobbly 1,  where did you get the ice?  I'm done with the icecap now.  Lost loads of hair.  Tried it 2nd time and it hurt because of some bald patches. I was kept waiting for my chair.  They were short staffed and then nurse couldn't get canula in any vein and bruised me.  Swapped arms.  So I think I'd had enough at that point and burst into tears.  Lovely cap nurse I call Andy.... because it made me laugh....turned it all off and put curtains around me and was so lovely it just made me cry even more.   He suggested I go talk to someone in the Maggie centre but I'm not really sure I want to mix with any more people at the moment! 

Hi the nurse said to bring some to first chemo session so I put some crushed ice in a flask and also took some lemon sherbets with me, think I might try freezing those too for next session!  I used Gengigel when I did have a sore mouth and tongue for a couple of days.  
Completely understand the tears.  Its all so emotionally draining.  Trying to get blood out of me (7 attempts once) and canulas in fills me with dread now x

Wobbly1 that's so helpful,  Thank you! I couldn't think how to take the ice in or get ice from the already overstretched staff. And that gel sounds helpful.  I must admit my initial optimism is fading regarding these treatments.  They're certainly challenging physically and mentally!  Trying to look on the bright side:- at least at the moment we still have the NHS but if the amazing staff keep working under the pressure they are and with Brexit (not easily being able to get much needed staff from over the channel)  and covid I think it may fall apart and they're certainly more deserving of breaks, perks and higher wages.....don't get me started!!!!!