#80827 09-21-2008 07:20 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Well here I am almost 25 months post Tx and just within the last month I have noticed an increase in what I'll label my thick saliva. I find myself trying to swallow a little pea size ball of thick stuff and each time I spit it out another forms or gathers in a short time. I don't know what to make of it. My taste doesn't seem to have changed either way, in fact nothing is different other than these spit balls.
Any comments out there from the saliva experts?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | David
The spit ball doctor is in! (wow..a new low for me..haha)
There are two types of minor salivary glands located throughout your mouth; serous glands produce the watery component of your saliva and mucous glands produce the thick "spit ball"
Major salivary glands produce both and they mix together before exiting the gland duct.
It sounds to me like you are experiencing minor mucous salivary gland regeneration. A good thing but a constant pain due to the sticky nature. You may find that this situation rectifies itself as these minor salivary glands continue to regenerate. If it does not then you should try using a saliva substitute. Ask your dentist about the product he/she would recommend and get a prescription for it if needed.
Also, try and drink lots of water...lots! Stay hydrated and give your body the best chance to dilute your saliva.
You'll initially spend a lot of time in and out of the bathroom but, as your body gets used to the added water it will regulate itself and your trips to loo will become less frequent.
Hope you find this useful.
Cheers,
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 | David,
A neighbor of my friend had BOT OC about three years ago and he has the same problem. His ENT is from Sloan in NY but he was treated with an IMRT in PA, closer to his home. I'm not sure if he had chemo but I do know that he had a high dose of rad Txs...at one point twice a day. He has thick saliva and can't taste sweets that well.
I could be wrong but I think the saliva glands produce different kinds of saliva, i.e., one produces thin and the other produces thick saliva. Maybe the one that is producing the thick saliva is currently overactive. I had extremely thick saliva, almost to the point that it was hard to swallow and brush my teeth. But, since my tumor and saliva gland has been removed I have noraml saliva. The rad txs will take of that!
If you want I can get in touch with my friends neighbor and get more info or maybe I can get him on the OC site.
Hopefully it gets better with time.
Raymond (Dr. Mike pretty much answered it!)
Last edited by Ray1971; 09-21-2008 08:00 AM.
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Ok, I'll wait and see and thanks for the info from both of you.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 | David, Try www.cancer.org it's the American Cancer Society's website...search "thick saliva" they have a list of do's and don'ts...Maybe you're eating or drinking something that is activating the thick saliva? If not, the list of foods might help you decrease the thickness...In any case, what Dr. Mike told you is pretty much on that website. Hopefully it thins soon. Best wishes, Raymond
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Well something continues to improve as the last couple of days I have now noticed a slight but constant improvement in my liquid saliva and my taste. It's slight but it's going in the right direction.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | Yea David...that is wonderful. Gives me hope that Bill's saliva will continue to get better.
So glad things are getting even better.
Deb
Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!
Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Yes it is confirmed that my taste has improved in the subtle taste area and I can now distinguish tastes of different foods in my mouth at the same time. There is hope after 2 years and I'm proof. Just hope it's not a temp type thing. LOL
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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