| | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | I just re-read your signature. Chemo can cause bad breath and also leave a very strong chemical like body odor (especially if you are getting Cisplatin). Chemo also does a number on the stmach lining as well so anti acids may help, since a lot of bad breath issues are stomach related. I don't believe that you want the type with magnesium though, stick with Famatodine (Pepcid AC). Get a prescription so you don't have to buy it over the counter.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 | Hi Gary, Chemo hasn't started yet. Sorry but being an aussie makes me put the dates different. It starts on the 15th of this month. We just like to be different in this country. I wouldn't say his breath is bad smelling, just a strong smell of a night. I can kiss him no problems and smell nothing. But of a night he seems to get an excess of saliva and it has an odour of .... saliva I suppose. Not too sure. But I'll keep your advise in my list of things I need to know so that if this happens during chemo I'll be prepared. Thanks.
Wife to Steve 43. DX 5 May 09. T4N2MO SCC tongue, floor of mouth, lymph nodes & jaw bone
No surgery
Teeth removed 06/07/2009
radiation 13/07/2009 x 7wks
chemo 15/07/2009 x 3 Cisplatin
last TX 28/08/2009
25/11/2009 PET-lymph node activity.
08/01/2010 CT Scan-ALL CLEAR
03/03/2010-Peg removed
01/2013 left side of Jaw removed and replaced with pectoral flap.
23/12/2020 scan show lesion in tongue
01/2021 SCC stage 3 base of tongue diagnosed
01/03/2021 chemotherapy started.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Maybe part of the odor is from the teeth removal. I had mine removed and even I could smell the odor at times . I would get up and rinse my mouth and brush what i could inside my mouth.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | There are lots of flora changes in the mouth of someone that is going through treatment, and it is also hard for them to keep their mouths really clean because of the discomfort in doing so. That some of them have bad breath isn't really a surprise. But having stated that, it is a good idea that the docs, or the dentist involved take a good look around to be sure there are no other contributing things like an abscess or something else. In my own case the most painful thing was to keep my tongue clean (I brush it now) because of all the mucocitis sores on it, and it is a great place for foul smelling bacteria to collect in between all those papilla.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 | I smelt something today...not sure if cancer or not, it did go away...the dog however DOES know something isn't right....I think...
Jeanna
Wife/Carer of Rod, 56, Dx 5/3/09, SCC Oropharnyx T4 N2, End Tx 28th 07/09, 7wks Rad, 3 Cisplatin, primary tonsil, 4cm Lymph right of neck, 1cm left, in jaw & soft palate & base of tongue. Peg 06/09. CT & PET scans 02/11 - NED. Dentures 20/09/11, PEG out 28/10/11.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 207 | Brian, I'll push him to mouthwash more...even if he hates me for it...
Jeanna
Wife/Carer of Rod, 56, Dx 5/3/09, SCC Oropharnyx T4 N2, End Tx 28th 07/09, 7wks Rad, 3 Cisplatin, primary tonsil, 4cm Lymph right of neck, 1cm left, in jaw & soft palate & base of tongue. Peg 06/09. CT & PET scans 02/11 - NED. Dentures 20/09/11, PEG out 28/10/11.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 15 Member | | Member
Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 15 | My father has oral cancer for 5 years now...gone untreated because he has refused treatment....now the tumor has almost covered the bottom of his face...anyway the odor described of rotting flesh is the smell that was coming from my dad...my brother who has just gone to visit dad said there is a "different odor" along with it and he described it as "barley" smelling or chlorine....any thoughts from anyone?? thanks! | | |
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