What Do I Do Now? - 46

46
SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT /// CHAPTER 30
Mouth Issues
Taste Changes and Mouth Sores
Your taste buds are located on your tongue and send signals to
your brain telling it whether the food in your mouth is sweet,
sour, bitter or salty. Chemotherapy can alter the signaling
and food may " just not taste right. " Drugs most commonly
associated with taste changes include carboplatin, cisplatin,
cyclophosphamide, dacarbazine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin,
5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, paclitaxel and vincristine.
Tips to Deal with Taste Changes
» Use plastic forks and spoons if
regular utensils have a metallic
taste.
» Figure out what foods taste off and
experiment with how to adjust.
» Some patients find marinating red
meat decreases metallic taste.
» Chew ice or drink cold water before
eating.
» Add more spices! Flamin' Hot
Cheetos or Takis are particularly
popular!
What is Mucositis?
Mucositis happens when your cancer
treatment breaks down the outer layers
of the skin in your mouth and GI tract.
The layer underneath gets exposed
and becomes irritated and can get
infected. In your mouth you can
see the sores, but similar sores can
happen all the way along the GI tract.
How do I get Mucositis?
The cells of the skin inside your mouth
and GI tract divide quickly, so they
are often killed off by the treatments
designed to kill the fast dividing
cells of your cancer. Some types of
chemotherapy and radiation to certain
areas can cause mucositis. Mucositis
usually happens when your white blood
cell counts are low.
What are signs that I have Mucositis?
» Gums that are red and shiny
» Mouth sores
» Pain when you swallow
» Blood in the mouth
» Increased saliva in your mouth
» Abdominal pain
» Diarrhea
What can happen if my Mucositis gets
really bad?
» Dehydration
» Weight loss
» Weakness
» Infection (because germs in your mouth
have a shortcut to the bloodstream)
» Severe pain that may need IV pain
meds
» Need for hospitalization for pain
control, nutrition, and antibiotics.
What can I do to prevent Mucositis?
» It is not always possible to prevent
mucositis, but taking good care of your
mouth is very important.
» Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
with a soft toothbrush.
» Use an antiseptic mouthwash, which
is often prescribed by your doctor.
This medicine prevents infections
that start in your mouth and spread
through your body.
Why does
everything taste
like cardboard or
metal?
What can I do to keep myself
healthy when I have Mucositis?
» If your antiseptic mouthwash
starts to burn your mouth, rinse
with a mixture of salt and warm
water (Mix 1 cup water with ¼
teaspoon baking soda and 1/4
teaspoon salt).
» Switch to soft, easy to swallow
food that won't cut the inside
of your mouth. Smoothies and
nutritional supplements (like
Carnation Instant Breakfast,
CorePower or Boost) will help
you keep up the calories when
you can't eat as much solid
food.
» Avoid spicy, acidic, or super
salty foods that can irritate
the lining of your mouth and GI
tract.
» Use a straw when you drink.
Sometimes this makes it easier.
» Ask your doctor about
prescribing a medicine that
coats the mouth and numbs it.
When should I call the doctor?
» Fever of 101F or higher
» Pain in your mouth that makes it
hard to eat or drink
» Abdominal pain and diarrhea
» Blood in the toilet
https://fwaya.org/
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