I got a really sore mouth for the first time after my third EC cycle. The hospital gave me lots of medicine but my ulcers have persisted into a second week so I’ve just had a repeat prescription. My question is - is the fact that I’ve still got a sore mouth related to my immunity and a sign that I’m not well? I feel fine otherwise (other than having a very low mood). My oncologist said I could go to work during week 3 as long as I am well. I really want to go as I know it will make a huge difference to my mood but just want to check it’s ok with a sore mouth?
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Hi Spudsma,
That’s a shame about your mouth I had similar with chemo. I would suggest having a chat with oncology nurse or helpline at hospital. My main priority was to keep germ free to get to my next chemo. I totally get keeping your mental health in best posible place aswell…as im not medically qualified its best to ask them if your at any risk with mouth issues and working. Hope it works out for you. X
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Dear Spudsma,
Welcome to the forum, we are all here for you. So sorry you are having a hard time at the moment with a very sore mouth I think this is quite common when have chemotherapy. As Lizzie has suggest speak with your team, drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
Are regards, going back to work, I would take one day at a time, don’t rush back before you feel well enough.
Wishing you well, with happiness ahead.
Hugs Tili 
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Hi there, towards the end of my first cycle, I had my second cycle yesterday. But I discovered that I have a black tongue. I was told that this is due to high pigmentation. Has anyone experienced this?
Caroline
Hi spudsma
Thank you for posting and as mentioned in the replies from other forum users, a sore mouth is a common side effect of chemotherapy
A sore mouth happens because cancer drugs may kill not only the quickly dividing cancer cells but also temporarily affect some healthy cells such as the cells that make up the lining of your mouth. Chemotherapy can also temporarily affect the number of blood cells in the body, which can result in a weakened immune system. When the white blood cells fall below a certain level there is an increased risk of infection so people having chemotherapy are encouraged to take sensible precautions to minimise the risk.
A sore mouth would not necessarily be related to your immunity but may be more prone to becoming infected when your blood counts are low. Your immune system will be most compromised around days 7-14 following chemotherapy and that is when resistance to infection is likely to be at its lowest. This may be why your oncologist has suggested waiting until week 3 to return to work. Usually, the number of white cells return to normal before the next dose of chemotherapy.
As you say returning to work can make a huge difference to mood, but we would suggest that you speak to your treatment team about this to check if there is any other treatment they may suggest for your sore mouth.
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can impact you physically and emotionally and many people experience low mood. It’s also important to talk to your treatment team or GP about your low mood so they can discuss how best to support you.
We also have a variety of support services, which may be of interest to you, both online and face to face. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Eve
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