Hi, Steve,

I am a caregiver to my husband who will have his final radiation session this Wednesday. He has had the thick saliva for a couple of weeks so I am really sympathetic that it has continued for so long for you. Rob's suggestion above about being more aware and intentional about swallowing is one I will suggest to my husband as it sounds like it might help. Also, from reading the above posts I think my husband has some neuropathy so that explains (perhaps) some weird hand motions (sort of like when someone's fingers are numb) and his stumbling a bit lately (so thanks again).

One thing I'd like to suggest that might help you or others on this Board is the help that a psychologist might be able to offer(I'm a psychologist). People who have a serious disease such as cancer often have intrusive thoughts that create anxiety and interfere with living in the "here and now." Psychologists (especially those with expertise in anxiety and trauma- after all, having a life-threatening disease is an open-ended trauma) can be very helpful in teaching individuals strategies to manage these thoughts and/or behaviors. For people whose stress is such that it interferes with utilizing these strategies, some SSRIs can lessen intrusive thoughts and reduce anxiety in a very short amount of time so that they can then utilize these strategies. I know I have had to use everything I know about coping and have relied on all of my psychologist friends to get through this and I cannot even imagine how difficult it is for the person with cancer.

Please keep posting about your progress!

Sophie - caregiver to husband with Stage 4b tonsils and base of tongue SCC