Because of this wonderful board, I hear about the suction machine. When I called to order one, they told me that I needed a prescription from my Mothers doctor. We asked her Oncologist and he said "NO". I wasn't present at this appt, but my brother said he was adamant about it stating it would "do more harm than good" and that after radiation was completed (4 more treatments left) this would start to subside. If it werent for this mucous that she has to constantly "hack" up, she would be doing SO much better. I am trying everything I can to help relieve her of this awful symptom. At this point, she can't even swallow, so hacking it up is very tiring & makes her sick. I am going to try the mouthwash Donna suggested.