I underwent my second chemotherapy treatment for six months this year. FOLFIRI plus Erbitux. I understand how desperate it is to deal with the side effects while researching for what can help control them. I wish to share what finally helped me with other patients in the hope that it will help in any way deal with these painful and overwhelming side effects:
Mouthsores -
Found Canker Cover at Walgreens. Its an oral canker sore patch. Great relief! Would use a small flashlight to find the sore and use the patch precisely.
Avoided toothpaste that contained sodium lauryl sulphate. Used a childrens toothpaste throughout the treatment Sensodyne Pronamel. It was great! Found at Walmart.
The magic mouthwash would numb the pain, but not heal the sores. What would heal the sores was using Lysterine diluted in water, one part mouthwash to one part water. Had avoided Lysterine at first because of the alcohol, yet it was a great relief to healing the mouthsores! Would use this mouthwash various times a day to simply avoid new sores. Generic brand ADA approved worked just fine.
Would ask for ice chips while getting my chemotherapy infusion.
Acneiform Skin Rash –
Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream is great to treat this rash!
Also, was prescribed Minocycline from my oncologist the second time I broke out with the rash. I didn’t get the rash throughout the rest of the treatment.
Would use face wash Topix Glycolix Elite Ultra Gentle Cleanser recommended by an oncology nurse. Found at www.skin-etc.com
Also, used Lindi Skin Face Serum. It’s a very good product for this rash! Purchased online.
For the body, would bath with Selson Blue Moisturizing Shampoo.
Conjuntivitis, Red Itchy Eyes –
Was recommended Zyrtec Allergy tablets 10mg by an oncology nurse. It worked great!
Sores around Toe Nail –
Foot spas with warm water and Epson salt were a relief. Daily twice avg 20-30 minutes better.
Also, used Mercuroclear antiseptic.
The use of bandaids on the toe area helped walk easier with closed shoes.
Greatly recommend the use of a port for chemotherapy infusions instead of using the veins in your arms or hands. Had painful results due to neuropathy with first chemo treatment without a port.