Chemo Related Mouth Sores

I have never been on Doxil, but I have read discussions here where people have discussed the awful mouth sores it causes.  I am on Topotecan, and am starting to develop them.  I use Biotene toothpaste, as well as Biotene mouth rinse, but I was wondering if any of you had any other suggestions of something to try.  I believe mine are caused by thrush, but Diflucan is not working.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Gail

[SimplyStar]

unscented garlic capsules  work, get those at a health food store, use fresh garlic in your cooking.   Thrush usually lasts about 2 weeks with treatment.  Leslee kept it away just using the garlic in her cooking   Good Luck

[stillstruggling]

I am on doxil and have been using club soda to rinse my mouth.  So far it has worked and really seems to help the mouth sores.  I use it for the first 3 days regularly 4 times a day as a rinse, after that I just use it when ever I start to get a sore.  Hope this helps, and its inexpensive too.

[gah_70]

Thanks to you all for your great ideas.  I will be giving them a go.  Going to stop by the grocery and the health food store tomorrow, so I will pick up everything you all suggested.  I already keep the Glutamine powder, and take it during chemo for the muscle soreness.  Do you have a particular brand you recommend, Alan?

[alanpvegas]

I've always read that mixing Glutatmine (L-Glutamine) with water and swishing it around has worked in some studies.  They also have a prescription type one (I forget the name) that can be used also to treat mouth sores...the dr should know the name.

[Helmar]

HI Gail... if you suck on ice cubes or an icypole while the infusion is going in, that does help a lot. I had the terrible mouth ulcers with the Doxil, but wasn't told about this until they were there. With the chemo I'm on now (CMF) mouth ulcers are supposed to be one of the side affects, but the nurses gave me a nice lemonade icypole to suck on while having the treatment, and they also said to mix some sea-salt crystals in warm water, and rinse the mouth out after each meal, after having cleaned the teeth first. I've only had one little ulcer with the first treatment of this stuff... and it cleared quickly from the sea-salt, I think.... and no ulcers at all this time. The ice is supposed to stop the chemo from attacking the soft tissue of the mouth, so hopefully that should help you. I do hope so, as there is nothing worse than those horrible ulcers.
Let's know how you go.. all the best... Hugs...Helen...

[OnlyLady]

I, too, am on Doxil right now, had my 2nd infusion yesterday, and will wait to see if I develop any more mouth sores.  I had about 4 - 5 with the first treatment, but they were not a problem.  I used the same mouthwash as you mentioned, and I also bought some aloe vera juice to swish around after doing a careful oral health procedure, and then swallowed it.  The sores went away in a day or two.
I also took some popsicles with me to chemo yesterday (thanks for the adivce, Helen!) and maybe sucking on them during the infusion will make it easier this time too.  Will let you know!
Good luck.  
Jan