To anyone who has had a neck dissection soon after chemo-radiation, could you tell me how much of a problem it was to deal with the mucous immediately following the operation? My husband just finished chemo-radiation last week, and is having modified radical neck dissection day after tomorrow. He has huge amounts of mucous/phlegm that gather in his throat and I am worried that he will not be able to dispel it following the operation and may choke on it. Does anyone have any input about that?

Thanks.

Michele

Hi Michele

The Dr. can tell you about it when you go in.

I was told to use Baking soda and Salt in warm water. Rinse mouth 3 times a day. You can swallow little if you think it will help. It will cut that thick stuff.

Will be thinking of you both. Take care and hang in there.

DM

Michelle, youall might find a suction machine very helpful, if you don't already have one. We rented one and it helped John a great deal after his surgeries and radiation. Amy

Yes, the suction machine is a godsend! If your doc writes a prescription for it, many insurance companies will cover it. It's like that gizmo that the dentist uses that gently sucks out the gunk. Also, my DH finds that the club soda suggestion for rinsing really works for him. It cuts through the thick mucous better than plain water.

We actually asked the RO about a suction machine and he did not want us to use it, as he said it would be too hard on the insides of my husband's mouth. I may ask again though, because actually my husband's mouth is not that sore at this point. He had thrush, and is finishing up a prescription of Diflucon for that. His tongue looks good right now with the exception of a small sore area on the side of his tongue. My main concern is immediately following surgery, when he will still be "out of it." Do you think there is a chance he could choke on the mucous? I am nervous about this. Surgery is tomorrow morning.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Michele

There was a suction machine next to John's bed in the hospital while he recovered from surgery. {There was also one in the ICU for him}And We have one at home now. If he looks like he is in trouble with mucous, you will need to be firm about getting some help for him. Amy

I ditto the suction machine - my husband used it for a few months and it helped. They taught him how to use it in the hospital and he managed quite well.

Hi everyone. My husband came through the surgery and the mucus issue I was worried about did not end up to be a problem, thank goodness! Even though his surgery lasted for 8 1/2 hours , he was alert enough after coming out of recovery that he was able to clear the mucous himself. I was actually surprised that he was in as good of shape as he was. The mucous has even been decreasing some since the surgery. I hope this is not temporary. I was about to ask about getting a suction machine as you all have suggested, but hopefully he will not need it.
Thanks all for your help! We have made it through yet another procedure.
Michele