My husband had nasopharynx cancer and finished radiation in December, 2003 followed by two chemo( FU5 ) treatments in January, 2004. He is now cancer free. He is still having mucus problems and wakes up numerous times during the night because of the thick mucus dripping down his throat. Has anyone tried a hospital bed to help this condition. Doctors don't offer any encourangement with this side effect, but I am wondering if he could be in an upright position the situation may improve a bit. The mucus is there during the day but not as severe as at night. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Before investing in the expense of a hospital-type bed, You might buy some wedge pillows and get him propped partway up at night and see if that helps.

I found a decent wedge pillow at Bed, Bath and Beyond but if you don't want to search around locally, here's an online store that sells several different kinds of wedges.

http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product/pillow

Nelie

My husband slept for months on a study pillow and we used a humidifier which seemed to help thin the mucus a bit. Some days this would seem to help whereas others, we weren't sure. I WILL get better!

Just want to add that I am watching this thread very closly for hints of things to try. My John feels like he will drown in the muscous at times. [this has been ongoing for over 6 months] It seems to be the biggest detriment to his trying to swallow again. His Docs just shrug their shoulders when we ask for a solution. Amy

There doesn't seem to be a solution for the mucus. We get the same reaction from doctors. My husband has thrush which seems to have made it a lot worse. He cannot sleep for more than one hour without choking on it and is having much trouble swallowing with it. This is three years post tx. We have tried everything mentioned to help to no avail Eileen

Don't swallow it, get a suction machine and suction it out. Insurance should pay for it. If not it costs about $500 to buy or $40 a month to rent.

Has he tried to Salagen to help with saliva production? How about that drug in Robitussin that begins with a G (Guianfe??? ) that I can never remember how to spell. I took it in tablet form during radiation along with Salagen and I think it they helped.

Take care,
Eileen

He was never given Salagen by doctors and everytime I mention a suction machine to any of his doctors they all say no, yet I see many have used one. I would really like him to try. He does take guaifensin syrup in tussin but that does not seem to help. He does not feel like he has a dry mouth because of the mucus but whenever anyone looks in his mouth they comment on how dry he is. Thanks for your help. You also directed me to the dentist in Princeton who made his dentures. Eileen

I looked in my med cabinet and it's Guiafenex LA tablets I took. Big suckers, if you have difficulty swallowing. How I got them down during end of radiation, I do not know. At this point, I'd give Salagen a try. I took 3 pills a day.

What I wouldn't have done for a suction machine during radiation. It sure would have beaten pulling the strings out my hand. I was not given one until I had the laryngectomy. Still have riding around in trunk for emergency. I can't imagine why doctors would refuse him one.

Yes, I remember I sent you to my prosthodontist. I hope you liked doc and do hope his dentures fit as well as mine. If you are ever down for an appointment, I work five miles up the street from his office. Give me a call.

Take care,
Eileen

I am going to ask new ENT if he will give hime a prescription for a suction machine and see what he says about it. No one ever gave me a reason why he shouldn't use one I have those Guiafenex tablets in all different doses but they would burn his throat. We should go back and try them again.
We did llike the prosthodentist and feel he is very good. Dentu;res fit great but like you said it took a long time but the wait was worth it. Never had trouble with the fit. Eileen