Chemotherapy~what to do afterwards

Mouth sores are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy of the head and neck area. Known to doctors as mucositis, they can actually occur anywhere in the mouth or throat and develop when the ultrasensitive tissue that lines the mouth and throat becomes inflamed.
Here are some tidbits that may help alleviate some of the side effects:
While having chemo: chew on ice chips as this helps prevent blood flow to the mouth, therefore preventing the chemicals from saturating the cells in that area.

Purchase a soft bristle brush and rinse in warm water before brushing.

Make a mouth wash that will keep yeast/fungal/bacterial infections at bay:
1/2 tsp baking soda in 8oz water and add 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil
(note: mouth washes that contain alcohol will further irritate these sores)
rinse your mouth with this solution 3 or 4 times a day.
Back to Basics Log Cabin sells Tea Tree Essential Oil for $7.99/.5oz
or you can purchase it at many pharmacies.

Drink plenty of water

Chemo patients are advised not to drink tea or coffee, however they are referring to the caffine in the tea. Most Herbal teas are caffine free.
An herbal tea of:
Chamomile, peppermint, lemon, lavender, corriander will be made available soon at Back to Basics Log Cabin. The chamomile cleanses and helps heal the sores, the mint helps with digestion and stomach upset as well provides anticeptic properties, lemon encourages salivation, Lavender is a mild analgesic (pain reliever) and Corriander is a digestive aid.

Use Chapstick (not vaseline)
Back to Basics Log Cabin will be making a chapstick that contains Tea Tree and Peppermint Essential Oils to help keep the sores from developing around the mouth. But you can use any chapstick/lubricant to keep lips moistened.

Another side effect that can occur is vaginal/rectal sores that can become infected, the recommendation is to use baby wipes or personal wipes after each and every urination/bowl movement, However; they contain alcohol, which we already know can irritate things further. What you want is to keep the urine and fecal matter from the sores so they do not become infected. Our Best Defense Salve is a great way to protect the skin, allow the sores to breath and still have a barrier in place that will help the skin heal and kill any bacteria at the same time.

Help yourself to raw Honey. Honey is naturally healing and will kill bacteria in the mouth, it tastes great and helps internally in a variety of ways. A teaspoon at night aids in a good nights sleep and is a natural humectant~drawing moisture to it.

This information is provided to you for your health and welfare, but please note we are not physicians and you should always consult with your doctor or naturopath.