What happens to your teeth when you have chemo?
· But many patients are surprised by one of the most common side effects of this treatment: oral mucositis – also called “chemo mouth.” Five to 10 days following an initial chemotherapy treatment, inflammation and sores can develop on the tongue, gums and anywhere along the digestive tract. This can lead to discomfort and a loss of taste.
How long do symptoms last after chemo?
It is usually strongest right after a chemo treatment, but tends to lessen just before the next treatment. The symptoms usually peak about 3-5 months after the last dose of treatment is taken. The abnormal sensations may disappear completely, or lessen only partially; they may also involve less of the body.
How long does chemo brain last?
· I think it also depends on the type of chemo ur having and the type of cancer you have. My symptoms after the first chemo lasted about a week then only a few days after the others. Some people really suffer, some people fly through it. I ended up in hospital after every chemo the first 3 times as my immune system was so low.
Do you feel a little foggy after chemotherapy?
· My last chemo was almost 5 years ago. I’m 55yo and have always had very good string teeth, braces as a child and a perfect smile. Chemo destroyed my teeth but it took 4 years to do it. The throat surgery combined with the radiation has left my esophagus only able to swallow something about the size of a nickle.
How long does it take for chemo mouth to go away?
Mouth sores caused by chemotherapy treatment usually develop a few days after treatment begins and go away within two or three weeks after stopping chemotherapy. The mouth sores usually reach their peak around the seventh day after chemotherapy treatment ends.
Why does my mouth feel weird after chemo?
Taste changes are common during chemotherapy. The exact reason for taste changes is not clear, although it is thought that it is a result of the damage to the cells in the oral cavity, which are especially sensitive to chemotherapy. About 50% of patients getting chemotherapy experience taste changes.
Does chemotherapy effect your teeth?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit).
How long do side effects of chemo last after each treatment?
Many side effects go away fairly quickly, but some might take months or even years to go away completely. These are called late effects. Sometimes the side effects can last a lifetime, such as when chemo causes long-term damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.
How do you deal with chemo mouth?
Chemo Mouth: It's Real, Common and ManageableAvoid spicy foods.Avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.Drink mild, cool or warm fluids as often as you can.Eat soft foods that are high in protein and vitamins.Avoid sharp or coarse foods, such as chips, crackers or crusty bread.More items...•
How long does the metallic taste last after chemo?
Taste changes are a common side effect of chemotherapy. About half of people receiving chemotherapy have taste changes. This usually stops about 3 to 4 weeks after treatment ends.
What is the best toothpaste for chemo patients?
Use a fluoride toothpaste or baking soda with fluoride....Some examples of these are:Biotene® Supersoft Toothbrush.Sensodyne® Extra Soft, Gentle Toothbrush.Colgate® 360 Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothbrush, Compact Head, Extra Soft.Oral-B® Indicator 35 Compact Head Toothbrush, Soft.
How can I protect my teeth during chemotherapy?
Chewing gum or sucking on ice chips and sugarless candy may also help. You can also use a saliva substitute that can be bought at a drug store. Two saliva substitutes are called Optimoist and Salivart. It is very important to take good care of your teeth.
Can chemo make your jaw hurt?
Mouth pain. Some types of chemotherapy cause painful nerve damage. Tissue and bone loss in the jaw. This is a possible long-term side effect of radiation therapy.
How do you feel after first chemo treatment?
The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.
Do chemo side effects get worse with each cycle?
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
Is the second round of chemotherapy worse than the first?
Overall, my second round of chemo went much better than the first... thanks to an adjustment Dr. Soule made based on my round one experience (she extended my steroid to be taken for three days after chemo, instead of just one, though with smaller doses on each day).
Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Fingers and toes (most common) This may move gradually upward in a stocking-glove type fashion.
Things You Can Do to Minimize the Effects of Peripheral Neuropathy
Various techniques have been tried by patients and recommended by physicians to prevent, lessen the severity or treat chemotherapy side effects such as peripheral neuropathy . There is no "one-size-fits-all" regimen that works for everyone.
When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Notify your health care professional if you are experiencing the above symptoms.
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
I am on day 4 of 1st post chemo session and I feel dreadful, going from your experience how long does the nausea last, its only been 4 days. I know I have a long tough journey ahead but any advice you can give would be most welcome. Thank you
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
im just about to have round 5 of chemo and all I can say is everyone reacts so differently to it. I have never had nausea, just tiredness, aching bones, tickley cough and sore throat. I think it also depends on the type of chemo ur having and the type of cancer you have.
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
Hi Carole, It varies so much, some breeze through with few effects others like my hubby, suffer a lot. Your oncologist should be able to prescribe medication to help with the nausea and other side effects. I know hubby takes 2 differnce anti-nausea medications constantly. Wishing you the best on this journey. Sue
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
Hi there, Sue is right everyone reacts differently. Just take the anti sickness medication , sleep if you need and if you can't eat ask for fortifying drinks from the chemo unit. Warmest wishes Carol
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
As others have said it just varies so much. I had close to no symptoms with all three cycles of FEC. I had sickness for 24 hours with the last cycle but that was all.
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
Just had my 5th session and feel awful, lots of symptoms. My other 4 rounds were quite good every one different take one day at a time
How long do symptoms last after chemo session?
Hi I’ve had my fifth almost three weeks ago and still feel awful. Constipation and diarrhoea and stomach ache. So weak and wobbly too. Dreading number six. I’m on CHOP Chemo but as everysaid it depends which treatment you are on and how you are yourself. I think you just need to listen to your body and give in and rest ot go back to bed.
How long does chemo rash last?
Some side effects of chemotherapy only happen while you're having treatment and disappear quickly after it's over. But others can linger for months or years or may never completely go away. Watch out for signs of chemo's long-term changes, and let your doctor know how you feel.
Can chemotherapy make you tired?
But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends. You may find that even when you get enough rest, you still feel sluggish. Talk to your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your energy level. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman.
Does chemo cause heart problems?
Heart. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Heart attack.
How long does it take for hair to grow back after chemo?
If you lose some or all of your hair after chemo, it will typically start to grow back in a month or two. But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to. Its texture, shape, and color may be different.
Does chemo make hair grow back?
Its texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down. This can prevent new hair from growing, ...
Can chemo cause hair to go back to normal?
Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down. This can prevent new hair from growing, and you may become permanently bald.
Does chemo make you gain weight?
Weight. Some types of chemo can make you put on extra pounds. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which makes it much more difficult to get the weight off.
How long does chemotherapy stay in your system?
In fact, most chemotherapy drugs remain in the body for only a few hours or days. They’re broken down by the kidneys and liver and excreted in the urine, stool, or sweat. A variety of factors can influence how long it takes for the drugs to leave your body.
What are the side effects of chemo?
Remember that even though chemotherapy is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body, the effects — and side effects — of the drugs can last a long time, depending on the type of chemotherapy involved. Those side effects normally include : 1 Fatigue 2 Hair loss 3 Easy bruising and bleeding 4 Infection 5 Anemia (low red blood cell counts) 6 Nausea and vomiting 7 Appetite changes 8 Constipation 9 Diarrhea 10 Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing 11 Nerve and muscle problems such as numbness, tingling, and pain 12 Skin and nail changes such as dry skin and color change 13 Urine and bladder changes and kidney problems 14 Weight changes 15 Chemo brain, which can affect concentration and focus 16 Mood changes 17 Changes in libido and sexual function 18 Fertility problems
Can chemotherapy pills slow down the removal of drugs?
Damage to an organ can slow down the process of drug removal. Chemotherapy pills. Remember that even though chemotherapy is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body, the effects — and side effects — of the drugs can last a long time, depending on the type of chemotherapy involved. Those side effects normally include :
Can chemo pills cause throat pain?
Those side effects normally include : Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing.
Does chemotherapy cause throat pain?
Remember that even though chemotherapy is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body, the effects — and side effects — of the drugs can last a long time, depending on the type of chemotherapy involved. Those side effects normally include : Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing.
Why is chemotherapy used for cancer?
Chemotherapy is administrated with the intention of eliminating cancer cells so that the infected body can survive and remain in remission. Patients may receive a number of different types of chemotherapy, depending on a variety of factors such as the stage of the cancer and the ultimate goal of treatment.
What are the side effects of chemo?
2. Nausea and vomiting. This is the second most common side effect and, for many, the most uncomfortable. Today's treatments include the latest anti-nausea/pre-chemo meds with added anti-anxiety meds for extra comfort. These anti-anxiety meds really did make a difference for me.
Can hair grow back after chemo?
Yes! Hair follicles are sensitive to any touch, even the pillowcase, causing pain until the root has reached past a certain length. Keep in mind that hair can also grow back a different color, texture and type such as curly or straight, opposite of what you naturally had, all from the chemo.
Can chemo cause nausea?
Being relaxed while receiving chemo is important and can make a big difference in nausea and vomiting. This is one of the reasons why anti-anxiety meds are added. These meds should be taken around the clock after an infusion for full benefits possible.
Can neutropenic gums cause mouth sores?
Treatments can damage the the entire mouth from the teeth to their roots and gums to mouth sores. Mouth sores are not only painful, but can also cause infection, which is serious when the patient is neutropenic. Even with extra proper oral care can these issues arise and be an ongoing problem.
What is chemo brain?
This is a newer term for memory loss, loss of sharpness or multi-tasking. "Chemo brain" is becoming more accepted as a real side effect, as more and more survivors begin to speak out about it. Some describe it as brain fog or difficulty staying concentrated on one particular thing. Some are affected by efficient multi-tasking or lack of quick thinking. While studies are ongoing in this subject, some suggest this clears within two years post-chemo; some speculate otherwise. Chemo brain can often feel like the early stages of Alzheimer's or a stage of craziness, especially for younger cancer patients, though acceptance is often observed. I still suffer from this, mainly short-term at times and multi-tasking means missing a few in-between.#N#Tip:
Is it bad to not shave when you are neutropenic?
This makes nice for not having to shave, especially when you're neutropenic! This is one of the hardest side effects for many women. Tips: Scare Prevention: It's important, particularly those around young children, to take scare preventive measures as it's hard for them to grasp the reality.
How long after chemo can you go home?
They may have you wait 30 minutes after the chemotherapy is done to make sure you don't have any reactions to the medications. At that point, you can go home. Again, depending on your pre-medications and chemotherapy, you may have lots of energy or may feel very sleepy later in the day.
How long does it take for chemo to arrive?
It usually takes at least 30 minutes for the drugs to arrive. Some of the pre-medications may be steroids, anti- nausea medications and/or anxiety medications.
Is chemotherapy a word?
Chemotherapy. It's not a word people want to hear and certainly not something they want to go through. But, for those of us with cancer, we often don't have a choice. I remember how terrified I was of getting my first chemotherapy treatment. Would I be sick?
How early can you get blood work done for chemo?
First, you may be told to show up a couple of hours early to get blood work drawn. This is to make sure you're able to get your chemotherapy treatment.#N#It can be a pain, but, believe me, it's in your best interest.#N#Use the extra time to relax before you go to your chemotherapy appointment.#N#When you arrive at the infusion floor and they have your lab results and a room available, you'll be called back to have your vital signs taken.#N#Once you are cleared at the vitals station, you will be taken to your chemotherapy room for your infusion.#N#At MD Anderson, you will have a TV, Internet access, a bed or a recliner and best of all warm blankets.#N#They also have food service at lunch and dinner if you're hungry.#N#At MD Anderson, you're allowed to have one caregiver with you in the infusion room.
Can you relax before chemo?
It can be a pain, but, believe me, it's in your best interest. Use the extra time to relax before you go to your chemotherapy appointment. When you arrive at the infusion floor and they have your lab results and a room available, you'll be called back to have your vital signs taken.
How do nurses start chemotherapy?
Your nurse will begin with a saline solution through your IV. As soon as the medications are delivered, your nurse will hang the bags of medication on the IV stand and then start the different IVs. You'll be given pre-medications first, then the chemotherapy.
Can you roll with IV stand during chemotherapy?
In the meantime, use your infusion time to relax, visit, eat, work, whatever you want to do. The IV stand will even roll with you in case you want to take a walk or sit outside.
How long does it take to get tired after chemo?
Fatigue. During chemotherapy, most people deal with fatigue, yet a third of people continue to experience fatigue for months to years after chemotherapy is completed. It is important to share this symptom with your doctor because many causes of fatigue are reversible.
What is the most common late effect of chemotherapy?
Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is the most common late effect of chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy drugs cause bone loss to accelerate and changes in diet that accompany cancer and its treatment can amplify the problem. The greatest concern over the long run are fractures that can result from this bone loss.
Does chemotherapy cause heart damage?
Chemotherapy can cause cardiac effects early in treatment, but in some cases, the effects may not show up until much later. One notable example is heart damage following treatment with Adriamycin (doxorubicin). With this drug, a possible long-term side effect is weakening of the heart muscle, resulting in a decreased ability to pump blood ...
Can you have both chemotherapy and radiation on your chest?
If you will be having both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to your chest for cancers such as breast cancer, talk to your radiation oncologist about the option for respiratory gating for left-sided breast cancer, a technique that can reduce the amount of radiation to your heart.
Does chemotherapy affect memory?
" Chemobrain ," a constellation of symptoms that include problems with memory and concentration, has only recently been recognized as a long-term side effect of chemotherapy. Chemobrain symptoms can be very frustrating and can include symptoms such as problems with short-term memory (losing your car keys), multi-tasking, and concentration, especially when you are tired. An awareness of things you can do to cope with the symptoms can be very helpful. In most cases, chemobrain symptoms improve over time.
Can chemotherapy cause infertility?
Infertility following treatment varies with the dose and type of chemotherapy medications used and doesn’t affect everyone.
Can chemotherapy cause numbness in feet?
Peripheral Neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy is most often experienced as a sensation of numbness and burning in your feet and hands, along with constipation. This side effect occurs more commonly in people with a history of diabetes, alcoholism, or malnutrition, but may occur in anyone.