I am 47, diagnosed with Stage 2 SCC of the left tonsil in May, did 3 rounds of Cisplatin and 34 IMRT sessions ending July 31st. Treatments were rough, especialy towards the end. Luckily I had opted for the PEG tube, as it kept me alive for about 5-6 weeks as sole method of nutrition (Ensure and water). 30+ days after treatment though, I must say I have made great progress, started eating solid food about 8-10 days ago, and have not used the peg tube since. Called GI Dr to get it removed, he said you need to eat well for 3-4 weeks... so I have to wait a little longer. Biggest problem I see going forward is the dry mouth.... using Biotene, prescription strength fluoride rinse, seeing dentist every 3 months. Anyone know of really good products to help with this, especially at night?? Very frustrating, but so far I feel a lot better than at the end of July

Hi Pierre nice to meet you and well done for your fantastic progress.
Biotene do a whole range of products for dry mouth check out their web site for saliva replacment gel and and spray,and remember to drink loads of water.A mister bottle full of water is also useful to spray round the inside of your mouth during the night if it gets very dry.Hope this helps

liz

Hi Pierre,

Do you run a humidifier in your room at night? That seems to help my husband out quite a bit.

Thanks to both, no humidifier at this time as we have plenty of humidity from the weather, but we do run them during winter months.

Welcome Pierre

I find the Biotene oral balance gel very good for my dry mouth.
Best wishes for continuing improvement after your treatment.

Helen

Hi Pierre, sounds like you are making good progress....I also use the biotene products for my dry mouth and they help. Good Luck, Carol

Hi Pierre, we're also from NJ and Jack is 19 months from stage 4 tonsil cancer. He is doing well. In addition to the biotene products, which he is still using, he also tried throat coat - an herbal tea he got in the natural food store. It tasted like licorice and helped somewhat. There are medications that help dry mouth but they take a few weeks to kick in. Jack benefited from acupunture but not everyone does. It all takes time and you're very early in your recovery. It may take several months for some of these side effects to settle down but it does get better. Regards JoAnne

I had acupuncture all through my treatment, and it helped enormously with dry mouth. Ironically, three months out of treatment my dry mouth is worse than during treatment. I chalk this up to having no more acupuncture. I will have to start again. I haven't had good luck with any dry mouth product so far. Best things for me are salt water rinses and Trident White tropical flavor gum.

The nurse practioner at the MO office suggested trying seltzer/club soda rinses or just drinking it. Mom tried it, she said initially it made her mouth feel like chaos was breaking out inside but oddly enough a few minutes later her saliva was back to her new "normal". She also uses some of the biotene products.

Hi Pierre-
I second what Helen says about the Biotene dry mouth gel- that's the gel, not the liquid. The liquid gives me relief for a little while, but the gel lasts for hours. I put a fingerful on my tongue at night, and then try to sleep with my mouth closed. I usually only wake up once to sip water or put more gel in. At first I woke up alot more but now it's been 6 months and it's better. Sounds like you are doing great on the eating!
Melissa
Melissa