Stephany,

Sorry I didn't catch your post last night. The only thing that worked well for Heather in getting the mucous out was a suction machine. Heather had a Devilbis (sp?) There is also one made by Yankueur (sp?). They are all similar to the suction machines used by dentists. Heather's mucous was not very dry, though. I'm not sure if it would work well with dry stuff, but if your mom could get enough water in her mouth to get it moist, it should work very well.

It should not be painful for her because the suction tube can draw the mucous out with only a light touch. The hospital Heather was in had units on the wall in many of the rooms, but we found most of them didn't work very well. They just weren't strong enough, esp. the ones on the higher floors. I think they may have been too far from the power source. Anyway, we took the portable one with us and used it the entire 11 weeks Heather that Heather was in the hospital. It was noisy, but it worked. Ours had a power cord to plug in and also a battery backup.

If her hospital room doesn't have a suction unit, maybe she can be moved to a room that does. Or better yet, ask your mom's doc to order a portable one for her. Then it can go home with her when she leaves the hospital.

I am so sorry your mom is in such pain. Have you asked the docs or nurses why they can't get it under control? I would demand some answers. I'll try to check the forum tonight and see if I can catch you online. There is probably more I should say, but I will wait to see how your mom did today.

Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.