| | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | I have not posted in awhile, I am done with radiation and chemo! I was cleared to get dentures and I got my today. However I issue with gagging and saliva. I have always had a gagging reflex and this is bad I feel like I want to throw up constantly. I was told this is normal and should come back in a few days.
Any suggestions on what I can do? I have not yet tried to eat and going to use the PEG tube tonight and try tomorrow.
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012
So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Congrats on finishing your treatments!!! Let the healing begin!!! You may want to ask your doc for a suction machine to help get the gunk out of your mouth and throat. It can be easily rented from a medical supply company. When the thick mucous is over in a couple weeks it will turn into dry mouth which will be a welcome relief. Carrying a water bottle around is alot better than gagging on thick phlegm! Rinse with 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp baking soda and warm water several times per day. Some have found seltzer water rinsing helps too.
Best wishes with your recovery!!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Hi Christine is right that was the worst part about post rads for me, the gagging and saliva - I threw up from that more than chemo believe it or not. - I rinsed constantly carried a rag spit into that at home - or a glass, outside walking my dog I became a world class spitter. A humidifier loosens up the phlegm, at night and I'd water pick my mouth on the lowest setting with the tongue cleaner attachment to clean my mouth during the day- it was great. I'm assuming your mouth sores have cleared up, since you've gotten dentures. Hopefully it won't be too long for the Phlegm to lessen. I used to have major issues with gagging and my dental tray but I would suck it up for the 4 minutes and have to have them in... And now I'm okay with them. Take care...
Last edited by Cheryld; 07-01-2012 07:32 AM.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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