Hi Margaret -
I've been off the board for some time, but finally back. Like most neck radiation patients, Kenny (my husband) had a terrible time with the thick, suffocating, mucous. The backing soda/salt warm water gargle solution did give him some relief. The recipe we got from our RO was 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon salt to 12 ozs warm water. He gargled (as best he could) for weeks with it. It really soothed his mouth and helped to keep the thick stuff off his teeth (he kept all of his). On top of that his RO prescibed a "Swish & Swallow" concoction that really helped to 'numb' his mouth when the thrush & sores hit.

Unfortunately, Kenny had really bad mucous for about 2 1/2 months after radiation treatments. Remember - radiation is accumulating and will continue to 'work' for weeks after the actual treatments end.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. In September we are celebrating Kenny's 2 year cancer free anniversary. He is doing terrific and managing to get on with his life.

Hang in there!

Your caregiver in arms! Carol