Sore throat from chemo and tumor markers

julie26

I started Taxol & Avastin in July.  I have had problems with my sinuses and a sore throat since. (I did AC with my 2 prior bouts in 2001 and 2005 and never had a problem with that).  Sometimes it even hurts to talk. It seems to be one area in my throat.  It started out right after chemo with being hoarse then it started hurting. Sometimes it will ease up for a day or 2 but comes back.  I've mentioned it to my Oncologist, Oncology Nurses and the ENT I saw for my sinuses. They all say it's throat ulcers from the chemo. Some get mouth ulcers but it can also cause sores in the throat.  I did get Magic Mouthwash which they told me to let a little run down my throat a couple of times a day.  It helps a little. I'm just wondering if anyone else had problems with this and what they did to deal with it.  Also, my Tumor Marker (CA 15-3) was stable at around 31 then it jumped to 45.  I freaked out but the Onc. said she is not too concerned at this point. She says she goes by what the scan shows.  I have lung mets and started out with 10 tumors. Last scan showed 7 are gone and the 3 that are left have shrunk significantly.  I don't understand why the markers are jumping. She also said that inflammation can cause them to go up.  I had an infected port that had to be removed which she said was the source of inflammation. Plus I'm thinking that my sinuses and throat are always irritated from the chemo so I would think that would also be inflammation.  I'd appreciate any comments on the throat ulcers and Tumor Markers.  Thank you.