I'm nearly five weeks done with six weeks of treatment, and am hanging on although some days I am not sure why or how. I was wondering if anyone had found portable suction machines useful in helping get rid of the mucositis junk. I keep choking on the stuff and I think it might kill me if this treatment doesn't. One of my nurses gave me the number of a medical supply outfit that rents these machines, but if they're not really helpful I don't want to bother. Any comments from those who've used them?

thanks-
Mary

Mary, Several people here have definitely found them useful. I personally didn't find them all that helpful because the suction, in order to be strong enough to get the gunk out, ended up hurting my cheeks/gums--which were incredibly sore and sensitive. So I just kept spitting all the time. Still, as I said, I may be the exception since I know other people found they helped.

Nelie

Mary,
I found the device very helpful. I kept it by my bed at night and by my easy chair during the day. Constantly spitting into a tissue can cause irritation around your mouth. It is much easier just to put the suction device into your mouth, like at the dentist. I was very glad to have the Yankauer device and I heartily recommend it.

Best of luck,

Danny G.

I didn't have one when I had radiation but sure wish I had. The Yankauer device would have been perfect. I have one now for my trach. Rental is covered by insurance and runs somewhere between $24 to $40 a month. For that price, it is worth a try, even if insurance doesn't cover it.

Take care,
Eileen