Hello everyone and God Bless. My name is Sheila and I'm in my 5th week of radiation. I am having difficulty with extreme dry mouth. It's interrupting my sleep and causing me anxiety and frustration. I'm taking biotine among other "remedies" but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Shiela - I'm so sorry you are having such frustrating dry mouth problems. When my son had the dry mouth during his treatment, he used a plant mister - which is like a regular spray bottle for water except that it has a really fine spray. He would use it at night to spray his mouth and kept it right by his bed so he didn't have to fully wake up to soothe the dryness in his mouth. The plant mister is usually found where gardening supplies are sold. My son also had a humidifier to keep the air moist. The Biotene products are really good, too. I'm sure others will have some more recent or direct experience to share with you. You've made it quite a ways through treatment so far and don't have too much more to go. So try to hang in there a little while longer.

I also used a humidifier while I slept. Biotene has a dry mouth gel which should help with the dry mouth. Just put a dab on your finger and rub it around in your mouth. Always carry a water bottle with you so you can always take a sip. Some members have found success with prescription medications to stimulate the saliva glands. I was given it as well but it only made me sweat so I discontinued using it. Sorry but I cant remember the name of the medicine, I know it starts with pilo.

It has been awhile since I have been on - so I just say this thread. The drug is Pilocarpine. I used it for 2 years and I definitely felt it helped me.

Sjones - congrats on getting so far into your treatment!! You sound like you're doing awesome. I too had a notoriously dry mouth during the end of rads - I did use a humidifier, and when I woke up at night - which inevitably happened I'd just rinse and go back to sleep. Towards the end - last few days and a week post treatmeant I would take an oxy - before bed - and one when I woke up midway through the night - itdidnt solve the dry mouth but I would sleep through it! oxy puts me out like a light. In fact I was off them a week after finishing treatment - but I continued to take one at bed for an extra week. I'm still dry in the mornings! I use biotene tooth paste, and the rinse (or toms - depending) and the squirt - lubricant if I'm out and dry!! Hopefully our remaining gland will recover ! take care!