The patient is my 85-year-old mother who had surgery in 2000 for tongue and neck tumors. it was followed by radiation and all was successful until a recurrence in 2005. She refused the suggested radical surgery-removal of part of the lower jaw and had minimal scraping and hoping. By 2006 there was further recurrence but she refused further surgery. This was right after Erbitux was approved for oral cancer and we tried that. It was amazingly successful in reducing tumors and in fact by summer of 2008 she was tumor free. there were side effects from the meds, however, including skin and eye irritation, tiredness, dizzyness, nail and hair breakage, sores--life issue effects as opposed to severe incapacitation.
The doctor took her off the meds for a break and she felt better, but the tumor returned and she is back on the drug.

Symptoms have arisen again-skin and eye irritation, tiredness, etc.

We are looking for any suggestions about relief from these side effects and also side effects from the original radiation. her most significant complaint is accumulation of phlegm that she cannot get down or get up. this is probably due to not having any saliva. she has tried various artificial salivas in the past but none has really helped her.

Thank you for any assistance that can be offered here.

Best,
Marsha