Re: Digest Number 3323MOJO

[Guest guest]

HI Mojo. My mother was on chemo the first time around for 9 months. One of

the main chemo components was cytoxan.

I think I may be repeating myself, don't mean too.

She had to use special dental floss, could not go to the dentist, and the

gum on the teeth are and tongue are highly affected. They told her that at

the very beginning. No dental work for around 3 months or so after

completion either.

I know that dental floss would get stuck and shred to pieces and the gums

just seem to turn into another substance or something.

She could not taste anything, and to this day, she literally salts

everything to the point of it being like anchovies.

She craves salt, well wants salt, as she says nothing has any taste.

She asks if someone can taste the food, and you can gargle with it if you

had a sore throat. So my dad tells her to leave it out and salt her own

food. She asked me that when I was there, and I could really tell the

difference. Everything she eats , she says it is very bland tasting and

hates it.

I know she had more problems with cytoxan and the vincristine, then when she

had the second round a year later. This was rituxin chemo though.

I know they gave her IV zofrin at least 30 minutes prior to getting the

chemo treatments, it really helped a lot. Following that was prednisone and

phenergen.

It is hard to tell if you will have taste problems ongoing and mouth

problems. Unfortunately, some of the anti cancer drugs can really help and

save a life, but some of the side effects can really stick around. Not sure

if it depends on the doses and duration as well.

I wish you the best though.

Normi