Has anyone used E-Cig or vaping after treatment? We are wondering if this is safe after radiation? Though my husband is not a smoker, we have been told the vapor using propylene glycol, flavoring and vitamin E & C, helps with voice and swallowing problems. Any one have any research or experience with this? My husband is 3 1/2 months post treatment and is having problems with his voice, soft palate, and swallowing problems. He is a singer, and is trying to get his singing voice back before his concerts begin in December. He is still relying on PEG tube for 50% of his nutrition.

Hi, Linda
coming back from therapy is a long road, but if your husband starts the e-cigs he will shortly doing it as a nicotine addict. E-cigs are not currently regulated, so we only have the manufacturer's word for their safety or lack thereof.

Have you discussed your concerns with your doctors, and asked them about the e-cigs?

Maria

Have not discussed with Dr's yet, just found out about it this weekend. He would not be using nicotine in it, only propylene glycol, flavoring, & vitamins E & C.

What about seeking out a speech pathologist? At this time there is not enough info about the E-cig to know if it would be something that would help. I would be cautious about using this, especially for a non-smoker.

He has his speech apt. Tomorrow, we will ask her.

Hi Linda,

I am exploring vaporizers in depth and learned a lot about the folks who are ex-smokers and looking to get a nicotine fix without inhaling all the nasty stuff in tobacco products.

The e-liquid or juice comes in various strengths, even zero nicotine. This sounds like what you are considering.

What new heath issues you are exposed to from vaping I have no idea. From all I read the argument goes it less the lesser of evils compared to smoking tobacco.

The key benefit of vaping is you eliminate inhaling burned tobacco leaves plus all the chemicals. I've not read much about other direct health benefits from vaping.

My reason is to find a way to consume medical marijuana without smoking it. Vaping it keeps you from inhaling any burning organics. I have been ingesting cannabis but the issue with them is it takes quite a long time to take effect and the effect lasts a long time.

My hope is vaping would have much faster effect and for a shorter time.

If you want I can send you a number of links to information and product related to the e-cigs community.

It probably would be a good plan to ask at least one of his doctor specialists. A speech pathologist doesnt have as wide a range of medical training behind them as say an ENT or even a family doctor would have. My suggestion was to take your husband to a speech pathologist for help to develop his voice and speech.

Recovery from oral cancer and its treatments can never be fast enough for any patient. The ups and downs will hang around for many months. At only 3.5 months post rads, his recovery is still just beginning. A complete recovery could take a full 2 years post treatment and many patients will not ever fully regain every part of their former lives. Im sure you both are anxious to have your husband return to his previous routines but honestly, this cant be rushed. For a easier recovery he should continue to take in a minimum of 2500 calories daily and 48 oz of water. Encourage him to drink as much as possible to work those throat muscles. Have you been watching his protein intake? High protein whey powder can help to speed up healing. Of course, make sure its okay to add this by checking with his doc. Over the internet you never know what kinds of underlying medical problems a patient could have but for most the high protein whey powder works very well.

We have had several members who were singers go thru oral cancer treatments. For most it took them a while to return to singing. Several have mentioned their new voice post treatment sounds different than how they sounded before cancer. Many have said they sound a bit raspier. For most patients, they are their own worst critics and think ever small nuance is noticeable to the world. While the new voice might be a little tiny bit different than his former one, it could in time turn out very well.

Please use extreme caution with this since you just never can be completely certain of what is being put in there. With your husband only being out of rads a short time, the electronic cig could have additives that would irritate his sensitive throat. A humidifier with something from the health food store may be an alternative to using a product that is not regulated. You would know exactly what is being put into the humidifier and can adjust it accordingly. Check with a doc before doing anything.

FDA on E-cigarettes

The general rationale is vaping rather than smoking tobacco is a lesser of two evils story. For those who smoke tobacco, then e-cigs are less evil as they do less damage body.

http://tasteyourjuice.com/wordpress/is-it-safe/

With respect to general safeguards then one needs to seek out as reliable and safe vape liquid as one can find. Here is a quote from one vendor that offers insight into their products.

http://www.goodlifevapor.com/shipping-returns/

There is a 48 hour processing period for every order. All orders are mixed to order by hand for every single bottle so please understand that we believe in quality and we are working hard to give you the absolute best product we can. You can choose priority shipping but please be aware that this is for shipping, not processing. We mix all orders in the order we receive them, no matter if you choose priority or first class.

All the references to juice I see are clearly just for nicotine delivery, never any reference to using e-cigs for any sort of respiratory relief.

If your husband is not a smoker than I see no reason to vape zero nicotine juice. I agree that there may be risk in this stuff so why take any chance when there is no benefit for cancer side effects.

I am glad to hear the zero-nicotine products are available, but would still suggest consulting with a doctor. There a few studies that suggest that vitamin E is not the best idea for oral cancer patients.

As winter approaches and the air becomes drier, a humidifier in the bedroom might be very useful. There are also some smaller models that can sit on a desk at work and provide relief.

My very best to Greg and hope that he finds improvement as the holiday concerts approach!

Maria

I used e-cigs to break my tobacco habit when I was diagnosed.

My team was aware and didn't seem concerned as long as I wasn't using tobacco. That being said, It's best to forego inhaling anything but air after having OC in my opinion.

Concerning his singing voice. I'm a musician (guitar) and vocalist. I was very concerned about my voice when all this started. At 6 months post treatment, I can sing but I'm no where near where I was prior to treatment. I have numbness on the left side of my neck from the surgeries and swelling from lymphedema. It makes singing feel very weird. While I can sing, the timbre of my voice has changed due to the changes in my oral cavity from all the surgeries. I still have issues with some swelling in the back of my throat so things just aren't there yet.

For me, it will be some time before I know the full effect that cancer has had on my voice. Since I haven't performed in some time, I'll need to work at my control and won't know where my range will be for a while. As of now, my high range is not there.

Good Luck!

"T"