I'm still living with dry mouth to some extent, but it's become manageable with a combination of different products and routines. (I had general field radiation at a time when there wasn't much available to try to preserve salivary function.)

I've been on Salagen (3 doses a day) for about 14 years now, and I know some people don't seem to find it helpful, but I really notice if I miss a dose. For almost a year now I've also been using the Biotene mouthwash and gel, which seems to boost the effects of the Salagen a bit. At night, I've found if I sleep on my back my mouth dries out terribly, so I have to sleep on one side or the other to try to keep any sort of saliva flow. Also, I have to keep my head somewhat elevated all night with two fairly substantial pillows. During the day, I can get by with occasional drinks of water, and some sugarless gum.

Over time, the dryness has become just a minor annoyance that I can put up with, because it doesn't interfere too much with eating, sleeping, talking, or singing, as long as I take a few precautions.

Cathy


Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989