Chris - ropey saliva is a perfect name for it. I certainly experienced it during treatment and for sometime thereafter. The buildup of mucous, i.e. mucousitis is a very common side effect of radiation. Sometimes it felt to me as if I were literally pulling the stuff out of my mouth.

It goes away, remember that. Although at the time it seems terrible. I'm not sure what can really be done about the immobilization issue... we've all worn the dreaded mask, and then there are the various scans that also require that our head be locked in place. All I can suggest is that you spit and clean your mouth out as thoroughly as you can at the last possible moment. And, of course, use all the mouth products recommended by your medical team.

Perhaps others will be able to offer something more useful! I more or less just gritted my teeth and told myself that things would improve. And they did.

As far as working during treatment, that too is an individual decision. My guess is that you'll do it as long as you feel able. Your body will tell you when it's time to take a break. I work in a little room on a computer, hardly a classroom full of kids, and I was pretty much fried (literally...) after about the 3rd week of rads and didn't return to work until maybe 6 months later.

David2