Hi Ladies, I have never used a forum before, so here goes: I am on FECT, had 3 FEC and now have had my first T (dosetaxil) plus herceptin and pertusimab. I am strugling with my mouth and finiding it difficult to eat. Do any of you have any tips on how to make my mouth feel normal again and to be able to tast food properly please?
Hi Sandy
Welcome to the forum, sorry you find yourself here, but we are all going through similar treatments and will help if we can.
I’m also on docetaxel, Herceptin, pertuzumab, and yes my mouth is awful, doesn’t seem to matter how often I brush my teeth or use mouthwash, the taste won’t go away! It does seem like something is coating my whole mouth!
I find I am getting through a lot of sugar-free mints, and the only food that actually tastes of anything has to be spicy/garlicky stronger flavours.
Maybe someone else will have other ideas?
Hugs Helen xx
Hello Sandybell - welcome to the forum - a place none of us really wish to be!
I’m from the May 2017 starters. I started with EC in May had 3 lots changed to T plus H and P in June. I can honestly say I found the mouth/tongue side effects were the worse thing for me going through chemo. Basically, I decided to stick to soup/rice pudding/ice cream/yogurt for the bad days - another tip - fruit pastille lollypops. If you pop on to the May 2017 page you’ll be able to read back on lots of tips or ask the question there - we’re a very friendly group of ladies and will provide any support you require.
A piece of news I’m pleased to share - that following surgery on 19 Sept - I received my pathology report which confirmed all was clear, the cancer had been destroyed by the chemo and targetted therapy - so although it’s tough - it does work.
Good luck for the remainder of your treatment x
Hi sandy bell,
I’ve just had my third tchp and my mouth feels pretty weird too!
I try to drink fizzy mineral water, I rinse my mouth twice a day with alcohol free aloe Vera mouth wash, others have said a mouthful of manuka honey daily can help.
I find my mouth very dry, foods taste weird, taste buds seem numb, and metal taste seems to hang round. Fruit tastes awful for me!
I think we just have to experiment and see which foods taste best and stick wit them.
If your mouth gets a white coating it may be oral thrush so have it checked especially if it’s sore as you may be prescribed antifungal mouth wash
Join us In the chemo monthly threads if you fancy a chat x
If it’s any consolation ladies - I can confirm the taste buds do recover and a few weeks down the line after completing chemo you’ll forget all about these nasty side effects… honest!!
I have mouth wash angd oral gel from my GP and it does really help x