Mouth Sores from chemo: When do they go away?

Welcome @walkingmom, in addition to @latebloomer’s suggestion, I think @loribmt @adanab @esperanzam and others have experience with chemo-related mucositis (mouth sores) and may have helpful tips and how long they had mucositis.

Walkingmom, may I ask what type of cancer you have? How many infusions are planned for your treatment?

You could try the amino acid L-glutamine. I took it for chemo effects on my intestines, but it is said to help with oral mucositis. I took 500 mg capsule form, but it's available in a powder so you can use as a mouth rinse.

I'll give the salt water a try. I would have thought it would have irritated the sores but if it worked for you, I'll give it a go. This is awful.

I have not had sores but this last session caused Thrush, yeast infection, in the mouth. My team did not think the Miracle wash was enough so gave me a higher concentration of a Nystatin mouth rinse that swish and swallow. That has certainly helped. Warm salt-water rinsing also helps with oral issues. Do it several times a day and do not drink anything for a while after rinsing.

yes, that sounds like the "miracle" mouthwash they gave me. I use it 4 times a day and it does help some. I know it will take a few days to heal but it's just so painful in the meantime.

Hi @sammy15 , I had awful mouth sores with chemo, my doctor ordered a rinse from the compounding pharmacy. I understand that that the medicines were in there to help it heal but there was also something in it that took the pain away immediately so that I could eat. It was kind of thick and flavored with fruit. You swish for a minute then spit and do not rinse. Have you talked to your doctor yet about these sores?

Hi, @sammy15 Mouth sores are a real problem, aren’t they. I got them when i first started high dose prednisone. The doctors i had worked with told me to use a salt and soda rinse. I used a 1/4 tsp each of salt and baking soda in warm water and rinsed my mouth several times a day. And I avoided store-bought mouth wash and citrus. The sores cleared up pretty fast. I hope you have good luck, too!

I saw that article too. Some good information but I hope they ease up in a few days versus a few weeks!

@sammy15 The following article just appeared in my inbox, from Mayo Clinic! Good timing!
Would you take a look at it and tell me if there is anything here you can relate to, that will help you with your mouth sores?https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/mouth-sores/art-20045486
Ginger

I have blisters inside my mouth from the chemo and they gave me a "miracle" mouthwash but it just helps temporarily. What is anybody else trying?