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It didn't do anything positive for me until around 16 months post Tx, but now it works. Go figure. Maybe you have to have some minimum amount of saliva before it works? Weird.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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You have to remember that while one function of these Biotene products is to ease the dry mouth, the more important function is to replace enzymes in your mouth that are now missing from your saliva (or lack of it), as a result of the xerostomia. These enzymes are part of the protective mechanism of the mouth to prevent gum disease etc. So remember that while the product, gum or what ever may only last a little while, the enzymes that it leaves behind are the important thing.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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Brian, good point to remember as I focus too much on the gum as a convenient replacement to sipping water. The CPA in me still wishes it cost less or lasted longer though.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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Good point Brian. I for one did not realize that the gum had the enzymes.... (doink)


9 YEAR SURVIVOR
SCC Tongue (T3N0M0) diag 06/2006.
No evidence of disease 2010
Another PET 12-2014 pre-HBO, still N.E.D.


�Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. It matters that you don't just give up.�
Stephen Hawking
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The enzymes are really expensive. Surprisingly for the price you pay for their products, Laclede's profit margin is no better/different than for companies that are making simpler formula/cheaper products.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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Brian makes a great point about the enzymes contained in the biotene products especially the gum. It may not seem like it is doing much but it does have lasting effects even after you are done chewing it. Gum chewing as well stimulates salivary flow even in impaired salivary glands. The mechanical action of chewing makes the brain stimulate the glands.
Make sure you are chewing sugarless gum so that you don't damage your teeth. Gum that contains xylitol helps reduce cavity causing bacteria.
Cheers,
Mike


Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
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I'm chewing as I type.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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David,
I am not coordinated enough to chew and type at the same time. LOL (sometimes my ADD gets the best of me.)
Cheers,
Mike


Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
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Try chewing once and typing once and repeating until you too will get as fast as I am.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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Don't like the taste of the biotin products Oasis much better taste. but walmart pulled it recently so just using water. in the old oasis bottle. I am getting used to no saliva our body is amazingly adaptable.

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