Apart from a runny nose with chemotherapy (Carboplatin/Pemetrexed) I'm also getting sores that are very similar to cold sores - tried betnovate cream, but not much good, then tried Zovirax which is better, but doesn't clear them and still forms scabs that bleed.
It can be very sore and painful.
Any ideas for something better?
I’ve used Numark Cold Sore Cream (Aciclovir) recently. Very soothing, and seemed to work without causing the scabs that I’d had before. Might be worth a try. From Numark chemists.
I've been using Blistex cream on what I assume are cold sores which works well. I've not had these since I was a child, no idea what causes them.
oh dear, so sorry you are having to go through this treatment. You Chemo team should be able to advise what is an ok cream to use while undergoing treatment and even side affects once treatment has finished.
Best wishes
Yatzy - Thank you. I've been using Zovirax for best part of a week now, which is also Aciclovir, and it hasn't helped much so far. But will bear the alternative brand in mind thanks.
Don & HappyJo - Thanks. I ordered some Blistex Cream (not a lot around at sensible prices, so can't have been in full production during the virus outbreak). Thankfully, I found some and it'll arrive at or around the weekend.
Bkin - Thank you. I just got a letter copy from my oncologist to my GP today. He outlines things so far, and his possible plans for future treatment, along with the fact that he is prescribing some Naseptrin seeing Difflam isn't effective enough.
I suppose that will either arrive by Healthcare pharmacy or a GP issued prescription, aghain via pharmacy delivery. Hopefully tomorrow.
I'll let you know what, if anything works.
Nothing seems easy at present. Even anti sickness tablets are making me sleep all day.
All the best, MacColl. Hope things improve for you very soon. I nursed my sister through several chemo’s, so I’ve an idea of the challenges. Take care of yourself ❤️
Thank you - feel pretty 'yuck' this morning, but as ever, hope for things to improve!
Worst today is feeling feverish and sore.
...a week today since second dose.
I appreciate the kind thoughts.
Hoping you’ve moved to a better day now, MacColl.....hoping!
All chemo different I know, but my sister used to improve slowly, on and off, over second week, then be more stable for the third week...just in time to go again ☹️ At least we could get into some sort of rhythm, which helped her to find her way forward.
We’d plan minor treats for the third week, visit garden centre etc, gave us both something to look forward to.
Thinking of you 🌸
Thanks! It seems to be following a similar pattern to the two immunotherapies that I had last autumn (that caused hepatitis and pneumonia so it was stopped), and although no serious illness so far with chemotherapy, the side effects are much tougher this second one.
Still very tired, with very sore nose, eyes and mouth, and still distension etc., but a lot of the other side effects too, including nausea, muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, unsteady .....a lot. It's almost like bad flu without the temperature.
I'm at day 11 now, and expecting to see the peak start to fall in the coming days. As you say, back to square one after that,
One thing I am very grateful for is the fact that my treatment is able to be done at home, and also includes B12, Folic Acid, CSF's, and blood tests etc two days before, with follow up phone calls to check for toxicity etc.
I want to get through these IV's but do hope it doesn't intensify with the next one as I've been in tears with this second one, despite my determination.
Hi there.
Just wondering how things are with you, MacCall?
I do hope you’re able to tolerate the chemo reasonably well....perhaps just coming up to a better week?? But I might be well out on time.
I think of you but lost your name.,,,though just came across you again 🌸🌿the perks of a cluttered phone!
Speak soon, gentle hug, Penny xx
Thank you Penny. So nice of you to ask.
First wasn't too bad, and side effects started to get a little less after day 12. Since then though, it's not been so good despite the fact that a scan after the second one showed it was working.
Second one had side effects from the second day and was quite intense. Not really happy.
Spoke with the consultant and he reduced the strength by 20% on the third one ...sounded like a very good idea, but unfortunately, the side effects began on the same day and became even more intense. The past 4 days have been very painful and uncomfortable - and here I am at day 11 with a distended tum that looks and feels like a piece of concrete, weak legs due to being unable to walk far without feeling very lightheaded/dizzy, and sore eyes, nose and mouth just starting to feel more comfortable. I can eat better, but it just makes my tum more painful and distended.
He did reduce the steroids and thought it had been unnecessary to have me on them so long. I had side effects some years ago when stopping steroids after colitis, and that caused some distention and back pain, so probably part of the same effects caused by chemotherapy and another drug.
Feeling quite miserable with it all to be honest.
Not everyone gets severe side effects of course, and I must point out that I do get reactions to some drugs, and need a much lower dose with some things - beta blockers were one such case some years ago after a short spell of high blood pressure: just 1/4 tablet did the job there, and some of the asthma drugs proved to be too strong, and one is the children's dose that I'm using to good effect.
I didn't expect it to be without discomfort, but the second and third have been increasingly bad. A fourth fills me with dread to be honest, and I'm willing to put up with a lot.
Will email a summary of the severe side effects I've been having this time to the consultant, and ask if he can reduce it to a level that I can tolerate better.
Trisha.
Blocked nose.
Stuffy Nose
Sore Nose
Stuffy nose issues 
Nose clip
