#86046 12-13-2008 01:53 PM | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 12 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 12 | I need some insight ino the post-radiation convalescing period. I am 5 weeks out of radiation treatment. I have a PEG that is currently my only source of nutrition. The overwhelming amount of mucous that was a problem during TX and immediately after has lessened to the point that I can finally sleep lying down again  My problem is that I am trying to start taking liquids and mushy solids by mouth. When I swallow I have a lot of pain around what seems to be the adams apple area of my throat. And while I manage to get the liquid or mushy solids down, I then immediately have to clear large amounts of stringy mucous from my throat. So for every swallow, I spend 30 or 40 seconds expectorating (nice big word) into my ball and chaim spitoon that follows me everywhere. Is this how it happens, or am I blessed wiyh a one of a kind problem? The mucous routine is driving me (and my family) nuts.  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | I had radiation twice, and I guess I drank so MUCH water with each bite that the water took care of the mucous? Hopefully someone with more experience in exactly your problem can help.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 246 Likes: 1 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 246 Likes: 1 | I wrote regarding a similar problem on page 3, titled Mucus - Delaying Recovery. You might want to check out the response to that post.
At 15 weeks post tx. the mucus has finally decreased. My husband is no longer choking and is starting to eat small amounts of food. He did not experience the type of pain that you describe. Lottie
CG to husband, dx @ age 65, nonsmoker/social drinker. Dx 5/08 SCC Stage IV, BOT T1N2aM0. 33 IMRT - completed 9/12/08. Induction Chemo (Cisplatin, Taxotere & 5FU), plus concurrent Cisplatin.
1/09 PEG removed; 5/09 neg PET/CT; 5/10 PET/CT NED
Dental extraction & HBOT 2013; ORN 2014; Debridement/Tissue Transfer & HBOT 2016
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I've had the mucous problem for the last year and 4 months and it seems to associate itself with this blasted dry mouth. My thoughts are the mucous is thick and gooey because the mouth is as dry as the Sahara . Dr told me I might never get the saliva back. I'm glad he is truthful with me about everything. I don't like false promises.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Charlie
The heavy mucous should start to ease up soon. I think I had that problem for about 2 months. The more water you consume, the better. Swallow and stretch your mouth open as wide as possible several times per day. Try some musinex or robotussin to help break it up. Recovery is a very long road, sometimes more difficult than treatment. Hang in there, it will get better, just take it day by day.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1 | To give you my take on your problem , I also had the same problem and IT WILL GO AWAY! just give it time. It went away for me so I'm just giving you my opinion. It seems like with mouth cancer it just takes forever for things to get back to some what of a normal state. Just hang in there and take it one day at a time.Just drink A LOT of water!!!!
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