Mrs. Ken,

The thick mucus in Ken's throat - I've had that, too. The radiation area for me went from my mouth to almost 3" below my collarbone, so the dryness goes that far down - both pipes and upper parts of lungs. When I wake I need to use my asthma inhaler, Albuterol, (Oh yeah, I forgot, I have COPD, too.) to break up the mucus, which seems hard as a rock. For me it's also in the upper portions of my lungs and I can't breathe very well until I can loosen and break it up. But, you know, that problem seems to be a bit better lately, too. Hmmm.....

I would be afraid to try that new device you mentioned, even if I could afford it. I still have swallowing issues - like things want to go down into my lungs or up into my nose. I really need to conciously direct the food and liquid. I swear I may never try rice again, no matter how much sauce or butter it's in. Can you imagine being at a banquet, blowing your nose, and having chunks of rice come out? Now imagine that they had wanted to honor you that evening, so you're sitting at the head table. I hadn't wanted to be any trouble, but for the rest of the convention I made sure the kitchen knew to serve me mashed potatoes & applesauce with every entree. I guess it's good that my saliva seems to be coming back, but thick for now. Don't want to drown in my sleep after all I've been through so far.

I'm glad to hear that Ken's taste is returning some. I really miss those things that I used to love, but now only enjoy by smell. I can taste some, but mostly cover everything with salt or sugar - whichever applies.

Lani