Since my last radiation on April 28, 2003, I have had no salvia or taste. I can't take Saligen because of my asthma. It's been very hard. I can't get any weight on. My diet isn't anything but soups, poached eggs, mashed potatoes, and milk shakes. Also two or three Ensure a day. I have to force myself to eat. I go through 12 to 14 glasses of water a day. I take stool softners every morning and evening. That seems to help.
Mary Lee
SCCStagelV,gum and jaw bone, surgery 10/1/02,lower neck lymph node,surgery11/14/02,jaw bone,surgery,12/31/02,upper lymph node surgery 2/7/03,upper lymph node surgery 3/7/03-a node was hiding,also neck musle and artery done, radiaton 4/28/03,six weeks

Lynn-

This is WAY late from your original post but "just in case" here's a miracle - Miralax! It's a powder that mixes in anything to - this is no joke - with no significant texture change or added flavour. It takes about two days to kick in but taken regularly - it's the bomb! Sorry for the pun. Though my gasto-guy is treating me for IBS, he said he's seen several people with all types of cancers suffering (mostly due to pain meds) that have integrated it - even those with difficulty swallowing! It's so transparent/thin it can't possibly contribute to plugging up a G-tube.

Hugs to you and yours. I enjoyed getting together with you and your family very much.

Much love and prayers-

Susan

Bathroom suggestions: Flax Seed Oil pills (probably availale in liquid, too) and/or adding a tablespoon of Canola Oil to a drink.

Sabrina

Lynn, I had the floor of my mouth removed about two years ago and, of course, what salivary glands the docs didn't take, the rad killed. I had radiation every day for six months. I've been on Saligen for over a year and I can really tell the difference when I run out of the pills. I'd like to ask: has anyone tried SALIVART? I'd like some feedback if any of you have tried it.

Thanks,
Sandy

Sandy,

My husband used Salivart and it was helpful to him for short-term relief of dry mouth (Salagen didn't do much for him, either). He kept it by the bed to use during the night or first thing in the morning. It is like a mild, salty-tasting mist that you squirt in your mouth and you can use it as often as needed. It's available online, just keyword in google and you'll find it. I think we paid $11 for a convenience-sized can and it lasts a good while.

Christine