Alex update final: We are now a week without the mucolytic to see if Alex felt a worsening of symptoms of thick phlegm without the help of a medicine to loosen and thin mucous.

Basically, he is not sure.

Conclusion is that if it did any good, it was not dramatic. Alex is absolutely sure it did not make anything worse. The problem is so complex - different people have different issues, with some being driven crazy by an overproduction of thick mucous and would give anything for it to be gone, whilst others have some thick mucous but the main problem is lack of production of anything. On top of this, type of OC, field of radiation, length of time since treatment and all sorts of other variables confound the issue.

For the group who just want the thick mucous to be easier to clear, Alex's trial was probably a failure unless higher doses or a different agent would have made a difference. I can't ask him to do more than he has already done - he has humoured me and put up with my daily questions about foaming, and quantities and how often and what time blah blah blah long enough.

Maybe when we have a little less going on, I can pressgang him into service once more for some other screwy idea I have but right now, he needs to enjoy feeling well and eating his way to a weight that will make our dietician happy enough to recommend removal of his PEG (still aiming at a knife and fork for Christmas since I don't know when Thanksgiving is )

Karen

Karen,,

Were you a Marine Drill Sargent previously? lol

When I rule the world I am going to ban smoking and banish non-numbers people to an island in the middle of the ocean

I agree with the smoking but not so sure about the non numbers people thing as I need some "balance" around me. The things I see, I see clearly and quickly. It's the things that my mind doesn't see that my non numbers person wife helps me with. Like how it's possible to spend large amounts of money while actually SAVING me money. Like why exercise resulting in any sweat IS NEVER good for you. Like why shopping in NYC is much better than any local store. Like why driving a Mercedes is best regardless of what Consumers Reports says. Like why colors other than white are preferable for many things. I could go on.

Glad there is still someone around that is trying to jump start this economy. Good for her.

Take care,
Eileen

This forum is firstly for information and support. However, a most welcome side effect is a good laugh. Thanks people
Karen

My brother has had no treatment of any kind and he too gets the thick mucous on a regular basis. Seems to usually be at its worst in the morning. Anyway, I tried giving him club soda. He holds it in his mouth and swishes it around. It brings out a larger (huge really) amount of phlegm shortly after he spits the club soda out. It makes him feel a lot better. I hope this gives you some relief if you decide to try it.