Hi my name is Eileen and I am my husband's caregiver. Don was diagnosed with cancerous tumor of his left tonsil in May, 2005. He had radiation and neck disection. In January, 2006 we were told that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs, liver and bones. Prognosis without treatment is not good. My husband is now undergoing chemo. His secretons had decreased considerably before chemo. The secretions have come back with a vengeance since Don started chemo. Don suffers from severe dysphagia and has a feeding tube and so swallowing is out of the question. Does anyone have any helpful suggestions as to what we can do to ease the secretions. His throat is so coated. His doctors do not seem to be able to do anything. Thanks, Eileen

Rinse, gargle, & spit as often as needed with club soda. Get the small bottles. I used many cases of it. It's nontoxic, no side effects & has been used by many, successfully. Erik

I am back in treatment (chemotherapy) as well and like Don I have a mucus problem. I use tussin, an expectorant, 4 times daily, but I am going to try the club soda.
Darrell

My husband was having thick secreations that resulted in nausea. We asked for a home suction machine,this has helped a great deal,his nausea is gone and he is eatting well. If your husband has a sore mouth this may not be a good option.

Thank you Erik for your suggestion on using club soda. My husband, Don, said it seemed to work for him. He now uses club soda for the secretions and Guaifenesin cough syrup by Robitussin for his dry mouth.
Thanks again, Eileen

I too must thank Erik for the club soda suggestion. My DH would not try it last night---stubborn if it doesn't come from his Doc---but today he tried it and called me to tell me it was helping. I was about to throw up my hands with the whole caregiving thing because of his stubborness, but I'm thankful now that he got some relief.