 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Selzter water helped me dislodge the deep stuff once I could tolerate the carbonation. Prior to that plain water helped during the mucositus phase. Try to drink some water first thing when you get up in the morning.
One day it just stopped, about 2-6 weeks post Tx, which has been the average experience here.
Taking decongestants is tricky because it can exacerbate the zerostomia, which makes the mucous harder to dislodge. My doctor prescribed Guaifen/P-ephed (Entex) for me with mixed results.
The best thing to do is stay properly hydrated. 2-3 liters a day. It will also help with the constipation issues from pain meds and protect the kidneys from damage from chemo.
If you didn't have patience before this disease you will have a new found appreciation for it afterwards...
Last edited by Gary; 02-07-2010 02:42 PM.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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