Today marks one week post-radiation and chemo for me. I still have a trach in place. The mucositis is really bad and keeping me awake at night. During the day I wear a Passy-Muir valve which helps rid the mucous but at bedtime I remove it. I almost immediately start rattling and coughing. My sister comes in throughout the night to suction and/or clean the inner cannula of my trach. Is there a way to alleviate some of the suctioning as I fear it may be aggravating the mucositis. I also would like to be able to get some sleep!

I have developed radiation burns on my neck. I was prescribed silverdine cream today to help with that. Hoping to get through these next few weeks as I can see small signs of my body starting to heal. Thanks for any input.