Hi John of arc.
Just to share my thoughts and experience.
1. My "mucous" (defined from me to you as thick snot that was green / red / beige in color)last almost 2 months. I am 49 and was always in good health (other than being heavy set). I was Base of Tongue stage III with one lymph node involved. I had radiation and
Erbitux for treatment, nothing else.
2. I was told to swallow as much and often as I could and to no spit if I could help it (even though I looked at my "swallowing therapist" like she had three heads, she stuck by her statement to swallow even the mucous if possible. It was not possible most of the time, and I did not most of the time, but I did try.
3. It will end
4. I never had to apply for SSI but I am told that head and neck cancer patients do have a "fast track" for approval up to 16 months (if that is needed). When I check on it (just in case) I was told I would get a monthly check as well as each of my children. I share this not to insult your desire to work, but only in the event you take longer to recover and find your fear realized about work. I took a 2 month leave of absence from my employer but was not able to return until the 3rd month, fortunately for me my employer told me he would hold my job as long as I needed, and he did. I can't be sure of the exact details on approval, and I was told the waiting period is still 6 months from date of last work..so the SSI lady encouraged me to apply asap and if needed I could always reopen the application, but this way most of the doctors records and all the paperwork would be on file. But in full disclosure I never did "pull the trigger" and I was back at work in 3 months, but not fully able to perform as I had previously for another 2 months after that.
My last radiation was January 20th 2012.
Best to you !!!
Tim6003
As a side note, I never had a suction machine, but have heard others who did and had great experience with it.
Best to you...hang in there...you are not alone.
