 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Since you finished rads several months ago, at this point in your recovery I would expect to hear you have dry mouth, not thick phlegm. Yes, drinking extra water will help think it. Every single day you should be taking in 48-64 oz of water and having at least 2500 calories. A diet high in protein (check with your doc if its ok) will help to speed up your healing. Unfortunately, patients never recover as fast as they think they should. A complete recovery takes 2 full years after rads. The better your diet and adherence to meeting your daily minimum calories and water, the easier the recovery will be. Most patients notice slow improvements with their saliva returning around from 6 months post rads thru the 2 year mark.
Hang in there, the worst is behind you. Best wishes with your continued recovery.
ChristineSCC 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  | 
