| | Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 13 "OCF across the pond" Member | OP  "OCF across the pond" Member
Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 13 | Hi, my brother is post treatment and has an issue with the amount of saliva his mouth is producing at present. Is this normal (even though everyone is individual) and is this healthy and a good thing? Thanks in advance for any replies.
Brother 51 Y/O
Had a biopsy to remove lump in throat
Recently been through Radio & Chemo
Is in recovery now and trying to deal with post issues
Has had 2 operations to allow food/drink go down throat (unsuccessful)
They say the throat is wide enough but it's the muscles are the problem with the swallowing action
Still feeding through a Peg
Has recently had another biopsy and the cancer is back
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | I can't tell how long ago your brother finished treatment but it is common to have an excess of mucus for the first couple of months after treatment as the body is sloughing off dead cells and removing them. For many, as soon as the thick mucus stops, dry mouth ensues.
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | | 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 | Most patients will struggle with their lack of saliva after rads. Of course it will vary from patient to patient. The location of their tumor where they would have received the most radiation probably has a slight impact. A complete recovery can take a 2 full years. Most patients will only see slight improvements in their sense of taste, fatigue levels and saliva after about 6-8 months post rads. Many of us will be life long water bottle carriers, always having one with us at all times.
Ive sent you a private message (PM) with info on how to add your signature. By having a signature it helps us to know what your brother has been thru which greatly helps us to help you both. Click on the tiny flashing envelope next to the My Stuff tab. The link in the PM has alot of helpful forum info.
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: Aug 2014 Posts: 13 "OCF across the pond" Member | | OP "OCF across the pond" Member
Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 13 | Thanks to all again
Brother 51 Y/O
Had a biopsy to remove lump in throat
Recently been through Radio & Chemo
Is in recovery now and trying to deal with post issues
Has had 2 operations to allow food/drink go down throat (unsuccessful)
They say the throat is wide enough but it's the muscles are the problem with the swallowing action
Still feeding through a Peg
Has recently had another biopsy and the cancer is back
| | | | | Joined: May 2013 Posts: 134 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2013 Posts: 134 | For whatever reason, I made a ridiculous amount of saliva during and early post-tx. At nearly 3 years out my salivary function is better than most. I make a lot more of the thick component and not nearly enough of the thin so I'm always on the verge of "cotton mouth ". I am very blessed to have what I have.
Dx March 2011 via FNA (49 yrs old)
SCC BoT
HPV+ exact strain unknown
Stage IVa T3N2cM0
Cisplatin x 3, IMRT x 40 (7267 cGy)
One node removed post-treatment (rad dmg)
Clean PET 10/28/11
Swallow therapy
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