| | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 6 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 6 | Hello,
I'm 4 months out of treatment.(stage 4,nodes removed,6 weeks chemo and 32 rads)My question is that SOMETIMES in the mornings my throat feels very swollen and it is hard to swallow.Does any one have the same problem and is this something to worry about.I have had my fist post scan and all was good. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 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: 7 | Welcome to OCF! First, congrats on finishing your treatments and getting a clear scan!!!
It could be that your bedroom is dry. Try sleeping with a humidifier to bring moisture into your room. When I first get up my throat doesnt want to swallow either and by drinking some warm beverage ti will loosen up. I usually drink hot chocolate mixed with coffee, plus half and half to make it smoother. It works for me, maybe it will work for you too.
I wouldnt be too concerned as what you explained only happens sometimes. If it becomes every day then you may want to discuss it with your doc.
Best wishes with your continued 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: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 3,267 Likes: 1 | Welcome, and congratulations on a clear scan!
It's a puzzlement why many ailments, illnesses are worse overnight. One reason for can be from the lack of mucin to protect the mucus lining due to the saliva glands basically shutting down when sleeping, which causes dry mouth, and irritation. It is worsened in those that sleep with the mouth open, certain medications, GERD (acid reflux), and chemoradiation treatment. Radiation can take up to recover, and sometimes not completely like dry mouth. There are different things you can try help relieve the dry mouth, and acid reflux.
Sleep with a humidifier.
Sleep on an incline to prevent help prevent GERD, relieves neck/head pressure too.
Brush, floss, rinse before bed. I use no alc biotene which enzymes help saliva
Drink water before going to bed
I apply biotene dry mouth gel before bed
Keep a bottle of water at the nightstand for easy access if awakened
There are tape products to help keep the mouth closed when sleeping
Take meds, with food, if allowed, same with vitamins and not at night
I hope this helps.
10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
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| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hi - welcome and congrats!!!! Sometimes just staying in one position at night allows blood to pool and since your missing nodes you likely have lymph fluid pooling in our neck throat, and cheek area, too. the less you move the less it moves. Hence the swollen feeling. Try seeing someone for lymphatic massage it will help building new pathways, and stimulate movement of the fluid. Take care!
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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