Please help. My dad is having 3rd line chemo (his last chance at chemo). He has also had radiation on his brain as he has tumours in his brain. This chemo leaves him with severe sores in his mouth. He is unable to eat or drink. This is very difficult as it is one of his few joys left. Can you help me?

Yes, those sores can be crummy. It is one of the side effects of chemotherapy. It will usually clear up in a few weeks. It is important for him to keep his mouth clean as these sores can get infected. Tell his doctor about it right away as he can give him pain medications that may help. He needs to brush his teeth alot or his dentures, whichever applies. If he has dentures, don't wear them unless he's eating as they're just a breeding ground for bacteria. Use a kids, soft bristled brush if he has teeth. It the toothbrush still hurts, soak it in hot water for awhile before brushing to soften up the bristles. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste or solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups water. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Oral-B makes a great non-alcoholic fluoride rinse, and your dentist can write you a prescription for something stronger. A couple things that may help is:

Use a straw when drinking anything. This will transport the drink past the sores.

Avoid food that is too hot or too cold. Room temp is best

Try baby food. It is less spicy and spicy isn't good.

If all this doesn't work, call the doctor and he can give you a "magic mouthwash" It is a combination of Kaeopectate, Benadryl, and Lidocaine. It taste pretty bad but it works.

Sometimes mouth sores can get so bad that the doctor will stop the chemotherapy so it's important that he works with his doctor and dentist to help clear this up.

Thanks alot for your advise. I am sure it will be helpful. Take care, Carla