Cancer Research UK main site

Tonsil cancer and mucus

Kitkat101
Offline

Hi, 

My partner is at the end of 4 weeks of radiotherapy, 5 times a week and weekly chemo. He has a nebuliser which he uses for 5 mins  4 times a day, Deflam mouth wash, oramorph and paracetamol on top of the normal chemo side effect meds. The mucus is now horrendous and ges not sleeping at all even propped up. Hes coughing and gagging every 5- 10 mins. His nose is sore and appears to have scabs which spot with blood. 

I feel completely impotent to help him. Hes so very tired and getting very low as he knows the worst weeks are to come. We seem to be awake all night despite being propped up and napping on and off during the day. Theres no respite.

Any guidance would be more than appreciated.

Thanks.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Kitkat although I'm sorry to read of the difficulties your partner is having at the moment.

    I'm going to put you in touch with one of our lovely regulars [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ as they have been on the tonsil cancer journey so will hopefully be able to offer you some support and advice.

    Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away if you'd like to talk this through with them as well. They are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi kit kat

    this is Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz I have as they say been there and dine it. I am niw 14 month post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer 7 weeks radiotherapy and 2 huge doses of chemotherapy.For the mucus increase time on nebuliser to 10 mins I was doing up to 6 times a day you can use plain boiled tap water don’t need to always use the saline sachets. Do u have a humidifier for bedroom ? Deffo helps I was also prescribed carbusistine tonthin the mucus down as yiurvteam or nurses or consultant it does help .does hubby have a peg ? Or if not has he considered a feedingbtube if struggling tineat. I have a blog www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com which will give you an insight into my experiences.its a bad time but there is light at the end if the tunnel ,if yiubwant ti chat privately send me a friend request .

    hooe this helps Hazel who yesterday cycled 62 km so am living proof it does eventually get manageable x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.