Can some tell me how long they last? I just went throught my first rad&chemo treatment last week. First of five weeks.
Thank you Scott

Scott,
The mouth sores can be a continuing problem. My husband had them through the last 3 or so weeks of almost 8 weeks of radiation and chemo and into the first couple of months post radiation. But there are meds, etc. that your doctor'a can prescribe to help - make sure they know it is a problem.

Anita

Scott,
I had some degree of mouth sores from my second week until about 3 weeks after completion of rad treatment. The docs gave me a bunch of mouthwashes to combat the effects. There was their "magic mouthwash" they had me swish & spit every 4 hours. That's the stuff with the Lydocain in it. Nasty but effective for pain relief. The others as I recall were a Nystatin rinse, and another pink one I can't remember. They were to prevent infections and Thrush. I'd encourage you to keep up with the rinses. They really will help.

Good luck next week. Give me a call if you need anything.

Good Health,

Chuck

Scott,
I think the severity and duration of these sores varies from person to person. Some people are more sensitive to the radiation and as a result, the reaction is more severe. My sores started at the end of the first week and lasted for about a month after radiation treatments ended.

Chuck is right about keeping on top of the rinses. Plus you should make sure that your pain medications are sufficiently strong to minimize the discomfort. I found a very dilute solution of warm water and baking soda to be helpful between the Lydocain swishes.

Good luck with your treatments - Sheldon

Scott, I didn't really have "mouth sores", just a very sensitive tongue and throat. I can tell you that I still have a very sensitive tongue and throat and I am 11 months after rad/chemo treatment. I just tend to ignore it as much as possible and drink things that don't hurt as much. However, we are all different and others on the board have had a more difficult time of it. And some have had it easier. So hang in there, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Scott,

The mouth sores usually come from either mucositis, thrush or infection. Each one feels about the same but there are tests for the last two and the radiation oncologist will be able to look into your mouth and tell you the first. All are treatable and the success of treatment really depends on the patient. I struggled with thrush throughout the radiation and for months afterwards.

Ed