I have a question from my husband. He finished treatment (cystplastin x2, radiation) in June/03. Every morning he has to "spit". He says it is brownish and dirty looking mucous like. We are wondering if anyone else experiences this?
thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Joan,

I had raditation also for oral cancer. I have experienced the same mucous as your husband has described. It is thick and very uncomfortable when you first wake up. I learned about a product called biotene mouth wash from this forum. I purchased some and have found that it hasn't eliminated it completely, but using it four times a day at least and especially at night has helped to lessen the problem. Maybe someone else has found something better. If so we can all gain from their knowledge. Best of luck

Joan, my husband found a humidifier during the night helped a little with the morning mucous.
Also, at about 2 years out from treatment, the mucous has become much less of a problem. I remember a year ago he wasn't even able to say "good morning" until he had a cup of tea, rinsed his mouth, coughed up junk...

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that it does get better with time.

Anita

I have not experienced the problem you describe Joan. I to do use Biotene toothpaste and Biotene mouthwash at least three times per day. I had IMRT radiation which spared my salvary glands. I have less spit now but others who lose all of it have it much worse. Biotene also makes a gel to coat your teeth and mouth at night. I buy mine at Wal-Mart.

Best Wishes, Danny Boy

Thank you for your replies. I am going to purchase the biotene mouth wash and have him try it. Will let you know how it works. He is two months short of being two years out of treatment. He goes back to Sloan-Kettering next Tuesday for a check up.