Mucositis with Cancer Treatment: What it is and How You can Prevent It

Oral Mucositis is probably the most common, debilitating complication of cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. What is it, why is it common with cancer treatment, and what can you do about it? Stay tuned to find out.

In this Episode:

• 01:44 – The Sharks of Rockaway Beach
• 06:15 – Road Trip to Nebraska: A Famous Murder Spree and Birthplace of the Reuben Sandwich
• 10:24 – Oral Mucositis: What it is, and Why it is Common with Cancer Treatment
• 13:49 – Why it is Important to be Proactive to Prevent Mucositis, and Steps You Can Take
• 21:30 – Mucositis Discussion & Recap on Prevention
• 26:30 – Nutrition Tips for dehydration, taste changes and decreased appetite or pain while eating
• 28:33 – Holly Butcher: Advice to World 24 Hours before She Died of Cancer
• 30:47 – Outro

What is Mucositis?

Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments break down the rapidly divided cells that line the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the mouth. 

Oral mucositis is inflammation in and around your mouth and can be a common symptom with treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation. It occurs in 20-40% of patients treated with chemotherapy alone and up to 50% of patients receiving combination radiation and chemotherapy.

How can Mucositis Be Prevented?

Marianne shares several ways Mucositis can be minimized. This can be done through a combination of sucking on ice chips for certain chemotherapies, good oral hygiene including soft brushing and saltwater rinses, avoiding irritating foods and drinks, and helpful medications, and potentially low-level laser therapy. 

Oral hygiene is especially important to prevent fungi and harmful bacteria from gaining a foothold in gums and dentures. It is a good idea to have a thorough dental exam before treatment to address any existing oral problems. This can prevent major issues down the road when the immune system is depleted from treatment.

Making a salt and baking soda mouthwash and rinsing at least four times a day can help: 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water.

Holly Butcher: Appreciate the Now and Give Generously

Holly Butcher was an Australian woman who, hours before she died of Ewing’s sarcoma, penned a message for her family to share: “Each day is a gift.” Listen as Charlie reads her timeless advice.

Sharks in New York? It is the Jaws 50th Anniversary after All…

Charlie shared an interesting fact about sharks patrolling Rockaway Beach and the drones used to provide early warning to swimmers. See the video below to learn more.

Road Trip to Nebraska

This week we traveled to Nebraska and got to hear about a Bonnie and Clyde-style killing spree that left 11 people dead in Nebraska. The story was immortalized by Bruce Springsteen’s song “Nebraska.” Paramount Plus has a 4-part docuseries about it; see the trailer below.

Thankfully Nebraska has much more to offer, including the birthplace of the scrumptious Reuben sandwich. Saveur has a backstory and recipe to make the authentic Omaha Reuben sandwich.

---

Goodpods Top 100 Death Podcasts Listen now to Everyone Dies (Every1Dies) podcast

Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!

Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon

Mourning Jewelry

We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry.  When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More

Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Here:

Subscribe & Hit That Bell So You Don’t Miss a Podcast!