Hi from Amy: I am still reading this thread intently. John's saliva production is his biggest obstacle to feeling better. The suction machine is the only thing barely able to help him, but it isn't enough. By the way, if you have do take a big tablet [as long as it isn't a time release kind] just grind it up in a pill grinder and dissolve it in hot liquid to swallow.
Eileen, if the Docs give you are reason for the "no" to the suction machine, I'd sure like to hear it. Amy

Mucinex tablets should not be ground up--they are time release I think.

Nelie

My Dad is 7 months post treatment now and although the mucus issue is nothing like it was; it's still annoying for him.

He tried the syrups with Guaifensin and then recently switched to Mucinex which he feels helps. (Had to get a friend to buy it in the US, they don't sell them here in Canada).

The humidifier helps. Some say avoid dairy products (which he's trying to do now). They also say drink lots of water. Before treatment my Dad was a big water drinker, now he finds water hard to handle.

The dr's never told us about a suction machine; only read about it hear. You would think they'd suggest it to help during treatment; boy getting up that thick mucus isn't easy as you all know too well.

Take care,

Eileen,
When you ask for the srcipt for the suction machine, I would ask the portable. This is one you can take on trips, plugs into cigarrette lighter if need be, and doesn't take an entire end table to house. So he can put it in the house where ever he is seated and use it as needed.

I also have a good PT about 20 minutes down 206 from dentist that may be able to help with slaiva issues. If interested, email me. If I remember correctly, you said he had a good PT. Does he still have all his saliva glands? I know doc, says to not sleep with teeth in, but I find if a wake up at 5am with thick saliva, if I brush and then rinse aadn put in dentures, I get more saliva.

You must get thruch under control or you I don't think you will get rid of mucous. I had to go on steroids for a month to get rid of mine after radiation. Diflucan etc didn't do it. I was also told to avoid drinking and eating anything white, ie carbs that turn into sugar. Myabe if you can get thrush cleared, the mucous will go down. email it you want PTs name.

Take care,
Eileen

Hi Eileen, Is a PT a primary doctor. We really don't have a good one. WE have a great MO and RO and I think I like this new ENT but a family doctor I need. Bob has been on nystatin for two months before the ENT gave him Diflucan which he is just finishing up two weeks. The thrush seems to be a little better as he is finally sleeping four or five hours before he has to wake up but I still can see it in his throat. I am calling for another prescription. He will also see his MO after six months in two weeks. At the present because of all the mucus he is mainly living on three 1000 calorie drins (seven cans of ensure with supplements) Thanks for the information I will see what I can do. Eileen

PT is physical therapist. Mine is in Lawrenceville. I went twice a week. That's a long ride for you guys. I think you will find the mucous problem may get better once the thrush is cleared up. It took a month of Dexamethsone (sp ???) to clear up mine. The Diflucan and nystatin didn't do it.

I don't know whether I said it on this thread, so excuse me if I repeat myself. I was told by a dentist to 'not eat anything white' as it turns into sugar and thrush (yeast) feeds on sugar. Since he is on Ensure this is probably not alterable. Has he tried Ensure Plus. More calories to the can and I thought much better tasting.

Eileen

The first few months after treatment I slept in a recliner in the living room so I wouldn't drown myself at night.

Have you tried Coke or Pepsi or iced tea to "cut" the mucus?

When I first got finished with my radiation treatments, the only thing that helped was Cherry Coke. For some reason, that quit working after a while, now all that works for me is iced tea. Just a couple of sips is all thats necessary if sugar consumption is a concern because of the thrush.

My husband and I have been battling the mucus problem and have found relief at different intervals trying different treatments. We tried capsacin which helped to try out the mucus but he said it bothered his stomach. I have added digestive enzymes because that is what is in the mucus and since it is all the GI tract, I know there is some connection. I am going to reresearch the topic.
I had him on a rinse of licorice-non alcoholic, lemon juice,aloe and green tea with mainly fruits with whey proteins and it subsided for a while only later to return.
He is now complaining of a raw sensation, something new. Anyone out there know anything about how the oral cancer progresses? His doctor now says the excess mucus is because the body makes a liter of the stuff a day and it is because he can't swallow???

Just a note: Mucus Relief Instant Release [Guaifenesin 400mg expectorant]code # ndc 50844-458-11, mfg: Link Intl. Hauppague, N.Y.11788, is NOT time released and can be ground and dissolved in water or juice or broth and put in a peg. Purchased OTC at our local Walmart. We are trying it now to see if John will get some relief from the excessive "slime". Will let you know.It does NOT have a cough supressant in it. Amy

My Dad noticed the other day when he was outside in the cold (fresh air) his nose starting running; this actually made his throat clear of mucus. I guess thru the sinus.

So why do H&N patients get all this mucus; where is it coming from?

Thanks