So sorry to hear you are beginning to feel the effects of rads, Sandy! Unfortunately there isnt very much that can be done. Try a humidifier in your bedroom at night to increase moisture in the air. Drink extra water and keep swallowing. Even when it hurts you must still force yourself to fight this and continue to swallow even sips of water several times per day. If you dont keep using those swallowing muscles, it will be so much more difficult down the road trying to reteach them how to work correctly to avoid aspiration. I know its not easy, but please keep pushing yourself.

The triple mix is to help numb your sore throat/mouth long enough to eat and drink. Its called Magic Mouthwash. This only will work for a few minutes, maybe 15 or 20 minutes max. One trick I learned was to gargle with it for as long as I possibly could then it will last longer before wearing off.

Hang in there!!! We are in your corner smile


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile