My DH also has lots of mucus(also spelled mucous for search purposes), and if you do a search here I think you will find lots of posts dealing with the mucous issue. If it is severe, you can have your doc write a prescription for a portable suction machine to use at home. most insurance will cover part or all of the rental. That was such a blessing for the first 6 months. My DH is off the machine now, but heavy mucous continues to be a problem, but it has gotten a bit better where he doesn't need the machine, but he has to clear his throat all the time and actually reach in with a kleenex to get the heavy stuff out(gross, I know). Some patients get some relief with medications like Mucinex or Tussin that helps thin mucus. My DH has a J-tube for feeding(still can't swallow either) and those medications made him queazy so he doesn't want to try them again, but many here swear by them. Your DH is by far not alone.


Caregiver to husband David, non smoker. Dx 1/06 SCC Base of Tongue Stage IV, neck nodes involved. Surgery/Chemo/Rad. Treatment finished 5/06. Waiting. Recurrence in lung, Aug07. 6 months Cisplatin/Erbitux. Spots shrinking after 3 Cisplatin tx.