I am almost 16 months post treatment. My saliva has definitely gotten better over the last 4 months. I can lick one envelope (but not two) which was totally out of the question for the first year. I can carry on a conversation of more that 5 words before reaching for the water bottle. And for me, the greatest change is the fact that I have grown accustom to this. I CAN LIVE WITH THIS. I can carry this water bottle everywhere. I can talk with clients and stop to sip water without feeling self conscious It isn't really a big deal. So, I guess what I am saying is - it does get better, but also - we come to a quiet acceptance of this new normal. Good luck on the journey.


DX 2/10/09; Stage 1 SCC side of tongue; Partial Gloss; PEG in 3/3/09; 3 Cisplatin; 35 IMRT; PEG out 7/17/09; Eating via mouth and walking 3 miles/day 4 wks after treatment end. 50 pound weight loss; Clear PET 09/09 and 09/10