Hi Kathie,
I produce almost no mucous and suffer from a dry throat also. I use a dry mouth moisturizer that is in a gel form called Oral Balance by Biotene. I don't get through a whole night without waking and swishing some water and then using the gel but I only do it once or twice a night now. Has she tried this gel? I was also given another product that had an aniseed flavour which was a thickened liquid that you gargled and spat out. I don't recall it's name as I used it once and hated it. I also use the Oral Balance during the day and find that it's effective at keeping my mouth moisturised.

I wasn't sure from your post if your sister is swishing to moisturise or to get rid of mucous (or both), so I apologise if I'm off track here. If it's mucous that's the problem the good/bad news is that it may well disappear completely with time. I had thick stringy mucous which used to make me gag for about 2 to 3 months after my 2nd lot of radiotherapy. I now have none.

I am lucky to enough to be able to swallow thickened fluids but I am dependent on my PEG for most of my nutrition and water. I have lost half of my tongue and have impaired speech but I have a good life. I travel, socialise and find ways to do most things. (I went snorkelling in Hawaii 3 weeks ago - it was a little uncomfortable and I needed lots of mouth gel but I'm still proud of that little victory!). I also take an anti-depressant! I would like to stop taking that but now is not the right time for me.

Let your sister know that she is not alone in her problems and that while there are some things that may never be fixed life can be good, even if it's different. I feel so sorry that she seems to have given up. I wish there was something I could do or say to help you and your sister, not to mention the rest of the family. It must be so hard for you all.

Best Wishes
Sue G