Hi all I have had my 2nd round of chemo last week and am experiencing the usual side affects and including some new ones that have occurred after my second round of chemo and would like some advice on how to handle them easier. They are listed below.... 1. Most of my hair is gone and I'm noticing at the base of my head gets very itchy and I am getting red bumps. 2. My tongue is white and feels burnt. I gargle with salty water a couple time a day but I'm wondering if there is anything better to use. 3. The last 2 days I have been getting an itchy left hand (my chemo arm) and it becomes red, lasts for about 1/2 an hour. I am seeing the oncologist on Friday so I have made a note to let them know. I also went to a chemist and spoke to them but I had the feeling that they didn't want to recommend anything because i am in the middle of my chemo treatment. They weren't much help. Anyway is anyone knows of how to make these effect more easier to handle please let me know! Big hugs to you all!

I had the same symptoms as you with my tongue and mouth. My oncologist said this was oral thrush and prescribed something for it. It is fairly common while on chemo and caused by the dry mouth you get. Biotene mouthwash helped with this too. I used Moo Goo scalp cream for my head and never had any problems but it would be a good idea to check your scalp issue with the doctor. I never had any rashes but know that it is a common side effect for a lot of people. See what your doc says. There is usually something that can be done to help with most issues so I hope you are soon more comfortable. Take care. Deanne xxx

I used biotene mouthwash and biotene toothpaste .it is available from the chemist. Perhaps a bit pricey but well worth it. I used the mouthwash several times a day and cleaned my teeth EVERY time I ate something . Cheers xxxRobyn

like the other ladies i used Biotene and gargled my mouth 4 times a day, this was recommended by the nurses in the chemo ward. I also had the scalp itch but mine got infected, not pretty the g gave me a script for medicated cream. Good luck with it all. Donna

Thanks you all for your advice. Biotene mouth wash seems to be the way to go so I'll buy some tomorrow. On Friday I'm seeing my breast oncologist so I'll talk to her about the other side effects I've been having and maybe she will recommend something. I really appreciate your help! Joh??

Reading this with some interest and trepidation - I have my second chemo on Monday. :( I was kind of hoping the side effects would be no worse with the second one but i guess I'd better be prepared. Hope you feel better soon. x

Side effects | BCNA Online Network

19 Replies

Kb
Member
11 years ago
this was suggested by another patient and I started using it too :-)
Kb
Member
11 years ago
this was suggested by another patient and I started using it too :-)
Sharon_Leigh
Member
12 years ago
Hi Joh. I found the salt and bicarbonate mouthwashes awful to taste until a Breast Care Nurse got me some peppermint mouthwash you can get from some Chemists. Rgds, Sharon
mgndam1603
Member
12 years ago
I think Moo Goo put out a product that is good for the scalp, their products are all chemical free. Sold either online or in some Health Shops.

Donna
mgndam1603
Member
12 years ago
I think Moo Goo put out a product that is good for the scalp, their products are all chemical free. Sold either online or in some Health Shops.

Donna
Johjoh
Member
12 years ago
Went to visit my oncologist today and spoke about my side effects. For my mouth problem she has prescribed some oral drops (used for oral thrush) to use when my tongue is white and the Peter Mac mouthwash. For my scalp problem she recommended I use a soap free wash and also use a moisturiser like sorbolene cream. My itchy scalp is really starting to annoy me so I hope it helps!
Mita
Member
12 years ago
I've got a book by Australian naturopath, Petrea King, 'Spirited Women: Journeys with Breast Cancer'. She says that some women have told her they swear by rinsing the mouth and gargling with Coca Cola, to get rid of thrush. She says, as a naturopath, using Coca Cola makes her squirn. So she'd only see it as a last resort.....and only after speaking to the doctor.
Chris_P
Member
12 years ago
Hi Jojoh! I used Biotene toothpaste and mouth wash, I also used the mouth spray. Moogoo products are pretty good for body wash, hair and scalp. I also used to use ( still do in fact) virgin coconut oil, rub it on head, and body as well as rubbing it round my mouth when I had mouth ulcers. I used to get the itchy ness too Cetaphil is another good product.
Johjoh
Member
12 years ago
Thank you, I'll try sucking on ice blocks, hopefully it will make my tongue feel better. Joh xxx
Johjoh
Member
12 years ago
So glad to hear from you Tonya, I will try the Cetaphil wash and sorbolene cream. My scalp has been itchy and I'm trying so hard not to scratch. Joh