Hi Jack,
What everyone is saying is absolutely what Kevin went through too. Honestly, I thought it would never end, then slowly we climbed out of the hole. We had Silvadene cream that we applied to his neck twice a day. Within a short time, maybe 12 days or so, it was all healed. We wrapped it to keep the cream on it all day and keep it off the pillow/blankets at night.
It will get better we promise. We are here for you cuz' we.ve all done it. Cry...it helps, believe me. It will however make the thick yuck even thicker for a bit!! ;o) The rinses really help and just drinking as much water as you can. Kevin said he used to make himself gag just so he could spit it out. He wanted me to remind you that after this comes the dry mouth. As bad as it is, at least it's moist. Not sure that helps, but at least you'll be prepared.
Keep in touch.
Kathy


Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14