Mouth Sores from chemo: When do they go away?

Posted by walkingmom @walkingmom, Dec 24, 2022

Any suggestions for mouth sores? Mine started a few days after my first infusion of Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide. Am using Magic Mouthwash consisting of lidocaine, maalox and benadryl with baking soda, salt and water rinse in between. Day 4 and no relief. For those of you who've had them, do they not go away until all infusions are complete? If so, I don't think I can handle it 🙁

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@colleenyoung

@blulady, good question. It is really important to look for evidence-based, trusted sources when asking questions about causes of cancer.

There is not enough good evidence to prove that milk and dairy can cause cancer. Eating and drinking milk and dairy can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. But there is no proof it increases or decreases the risk of any other cancer type.

Here is further reading:
- Milk and Breast Cancer - Looking Beyond the Headlines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/milk-and-breast-cancer-looking-beyond-the-headlines/
- Can milk and dairy products cause cancer? https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths/can-milk-and-dairy-products-cause-cancer

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Thank you so much for your quick response. I found the 2 articles very helpful.

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@blulady

Does dairy feed cancer?

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@blulady, good question. It is really important to look for evidence-based, trusted sources when asking questions about causes of cancer.

There is not enough good evidence to prove that milk and dairy can cause cancer. Eating and drinking milk and dairy can reduce the risk of bowel cancer. But there is no proof it increases or decreases the risk of any other cancer type.

Here is further reading:
- Milk and Breast Cancer - Looking Beyond the Headlines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/milk-and-breast-cancer-looking-beyond-the-headlines/
- Can milk and dairy products cause cancer? https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-myths/can-milk-and-dairy-products-cause-cancer

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@colleenyoung

Sugar can be a major source of anxiety and fear for people with cancer. There is a myth circulating that sugar feeds cancer and that avoiding sugar will prevent the growth of cancer.
- Sugar's Role in Cancer | Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/sugars-role-in-cancer/

"More research is needed to understand the relationship between sugar in the diet and cancer. All kinds of cells, including cancer cells, depend on blood sugar for energy. But giving more sugar to cancer cells doesn't make them grow faster. Likewise, depriving cancer cells of sugar doesn't make them grow more slowly."

While going through cancer treatments, some people may find it challenging to get enough calories. Calorie-rich foods may be necessary.

This is a good time to remember the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
- Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.
- Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.

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Does dairy feed cancer?

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Sugar can be a major source of anxiety and fear for people with cancer. There is a myth circulating that sugar feeds cancer and that avoiding sugar will prevent the growth of cancer.
- Sugar's Role in Cancer | Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/sugars-role-in-cancer/

"More research is needed to understand the relationship between sugar in the diet and cancer. All kinds of cells, including cancer cells, depend on blood sugar for energy. But giving more sugar to cancer cells doesn't make them grow faster. Likewise, depriving cancer cells of sugar doesn't make them grow more slowly."

While going through cancer treatments, some people may find it challenging to get enough calories. Calorie-rich foods may be necessary.

This is a good time to remember the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/
- Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.
- Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.

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Yes, it’s a prescription. It says that it’s a tooth paste, but it is a nice paste that you put on your sores and it helps heal them. I usually kick it out at night and by the next morning the sores are gone.

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@marciak9

I have an Rx for Triamcinalone paste. It’s magic!! I also use Magic Mouthwash.

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Thank you. Had mot heard about Triamcimalone. Is it a prescription?

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I have an Rx for Triamcinalone paste. It’s magic!! I also use Magic Mouthwash.

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I would not recommend eating sugar due to cancer cells feeding & growing on sugar. So no sucking on popsicles due to the sugar content. Ice chips yes. Popsicles no.

Editor's Note:
Sugar's Role in Cancer | Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/sugars-role-in-cancer/

More research is needed to understand the relationship between sugar in the diet and cancer. All kinds of cells, including cancer cells, depend on blood sugar for energy. But giving more sugar to cancer cells doesn't make them grow faster. Likewise, depriving cancer cells of sugar doesn't make them grow more slowly.

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When I got mephlan chemo, they had me eat ice chips during the infusion. I think I had about 5 glasses full it kept the mouth sores away

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@franciekid

I have not started chemo yet, and hope oncology nurse will have some suggestions. Meanwhile I read that holding ice chips in your mouth as long as possible during treatment closes blood vessels and reduces the amount of chemicals entering mucous membrane in mouth. Maybe ask your nurse about this. Not sure if it’s medically sound, but sounds logical.

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My integrative medicine doctor recommended ingesting honey, which I did a couple of times a day. I think it helped as I did not have a problem. He also recommended the baking soda and salt rinse. I did that too so difficult to say which helped-maybe both.

Best wishes, Cindy

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