Markus:
Thank you for your reply. Of both optins, I thought Tempol would be available since the study was 2005. The mounse study is the info I also got off the internet.

Other interesting info I learned (as you can see in my other post) is investigation into electronic stimulation similar to acupuncture for salivary glands.

As some of you have guessed, I'm a research hog. Some info pans out and some doesn't. I enjoy doing it, and it relieves at lot of stress.

I am glad you specified that this is a source of relief. Especially if you delve a bit deeper....... imagine how they measured the saliva production in mice??!
Often however, people tend to grasp at straws and drive themselves nuts with all the crap that you find on the net or worse delay standard treatment.
Clearly, loss of normal saliva production and types is a problem. .. but as Brian has pointed out, you have to be around to be able to complain. And that would be a good thing!
Beside chemo protection and stents during radiation there is not much you can do during treatment and this may not be all that relevant anymore give the targeted radiation delivery these days (except perhaps for special cases).

Keep researching!!!

M

Thanks Markus.
Personally, I think I'll be okay. The right side salivary gland under my chin should be okay as it will receive a lot less radiaton.

Thanks for not critizing me for my research. As most peple like to feel as if they're are in control of a situation, doing reseach helps me to feel that I'm being proactive.

Thanks again
Sandy S.

Sandy,
I'm surprised no one mentioned this. I took Salagen during radiation and for several years afterwards and do have some saliva, albiet not real watery. I had the same XRT radiation in 1997 that Brian had and since I had unknown primary, they fried me from my ears to my armpits. The only side effect I had from the Salagen was perspiring heavily for about 5 minutes, 30 minutes after I took it. It was well worth it to not have the dry mouth that Brian has. It also has another name that fails me at the moment.

I also have an electonic device that I used at some point after the radiation was over. It too enhanced my saliva production for a while. Can't think of the name either at the moment(I'm packing for a trip). They used it for Sorgens (sp) patients. I have no clue if they still even make it. Brian had never heard of it. I doubt I will have time before I leave, but I'll try to get you the name of it. Look into the Salagen.

Take care,

I was told that Amifostine makes scheduling a problem before rad. treatments. It has to be given in a narrow time frame before. In a typical day the waiting line would not permit reliable Amifostine delivery.

OK. I'm home. I'm packed or mostly packed. Flying used to be fun. Now it is a challenge to figure out where to put what and get it all in one suitcase. If they keep it up, the luggage will cost more than the ticket.

Anyway, the device is called Salitron and was/is made by Biotronics. My RO got it for me. It was experimental on H&N patients in 1997. You can't use this until your mouth is healed. It delivers a small electric charge to the roof of the mouth for several minutes, like 6 if I remember. I think one used it daily 3 times a day. I have no literature on it that I can find. I stopped using it when it no longer had any noticeable effect which was after a few weeks.

Check out the Salagen. That is probably your best bet for the least sdie effects for the moment. I do not need a bottle of water at all unless I'm taking a lot.

Take care,
Eileen

Thank you to everyone who replied. It was a great discussion.
Sandy S.

Sandy,
Information on the current clinical trial using Aquaporin gene therapy for radiation induced xerostomia can be found at www.drymouthstudy.com . It's a beginning Phase 1 trial but is showing favorable results.
Linda