Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Possible side effects• If your doctor prescribes a mouthwash for you,use it regularly as prescribed to prevent soreness.• Gently use dental tape or floss once a day (unless youhave low platelets).• Keep your lips moist by using Vaseline ® or a lip balm.A sore mouth or ulcers can make eating and drinkinguncomfortable. These tips may help you:• Add gravies and sauces to your food to keep yourmouth moist and make swallowing easier.• Try to drink at least 3 pints (1.5 litres) of fluid a day(water, tea, weak coffee and soft drinks).• Avoid hot spices, garlic, onion, vinegar and salty food.• Avoid neat spirits, tobacco and acidic drinks (orange andgrapefruit juice).TirednessSome people feel very tired during chemotherapy. This isnormal. It can be very frustrating and difficult to cope with,especially for people who normally have a lot of energy.The hardest time may be towards the end of the courseof chemotherapy.Managing tirednessTry to cut down on things you don’t really need to do.Ask family and friends, who are often keen to help inany way they can, to help with tasks such as shopping,household jobs or gardening.57