[Tracy J]

Gum swelling and irritation

by Tracy J on Fri Aug 21, 2015 8:08 am

Yesterday I woke up with diffuse gum swelling and irritation. Anyone else with this experience?

Backround: no significant previous tooth or gum problems. Monday I just started the second cycle of cyclophosphamide, pomalidomide (Pomalyst) and dexamethasone, and also it was time for my monthly pamidronate (Aredia).

There's no focal spot of swelling, irritation or pain – it's not an abscess. I called my oncologist, and they recommended my dentist. My dentist fit me in yesterday, and said my gums have in­flam­ma­tion that people sometimes get in response to immunosuppression. My absolute neu­tro­phil count on Monday was 1.3 - which is low, but not quite neutropenic. He gave me a top­i­cal antibiotic rinse.

Today, my mouth feels a little worse, such that I'm a little reluctant to eat and drink (though I am forcing myself), and I must chew very slowly and carefully.

I'm achy from the chemo, but have no other symptoms. No fever.

Has this happened to others?

[brandywine]

Re: Gum swelling and irritation

by brandywine on Fri Aug 21, 2015 2:53 pm

I had gum swelling during initial induction. I could not even floss my teeth. My oncologist said it was due to the dex. However, he reduced the dex and the swelling subsided.