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| Mouth
Problems reproducing cells that line your mouth and throat. Sores may develop, making it hard to eat or swallow What you can do:    Eat cool, soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow (such as ice cream, cottage cheese, applesauce, and puddings). Drink liquids through a straw. Suck on ice chips. Avoid citrus fruit or juices, tomato sauces, spicy or salty foods (such as potato chips), and rough or dry foods (such as crackers, pretzels, or toast). |
Because your germ-fighting white blood cells were wiped out by chemotherapy, mouth sores can become infected. Also, your gums may bleed after you eat or clean your teeth due to your platelet count being low.  What you can do: Good oral care can actually prevent many mouth problems. Gently clean your teeth with a spongette, and rinse with medicated mouthwashes, several times a day. Rinsing often with saline water will also help remove food and bacteria. Your taste buds may not work properly for several weeks after your transplant, due to reduced saliva in your mouth or medications you’re taking. Foods might taste different to you—they may have less taste, or a bitter or metallic flavor. What you can do: Once your treatment is over, and your saliva glands and tastebuds heal, food will taste good again. Until then, try increasing the seasoning in your foods. Drink water, eat hard candy, and chew gum |