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Mucus post treatment for tonsil cancer

Bear42
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Hi all

I completed my radio/ chemo therapy treatment 3 and half weeks ago, and whilst I have had to put up with a good deal of mucus, as warned by everyone, this has now got a lot worse and has become a think phlegm which makes me retch. Strangely, it has a revolting taste - strange, because i cannot taste anything else! I am eating only through my stomach PEG, partly because if I try to drink via moth then iot seems to take the mucus down with it which just makes me sick. I think this is possibly fairly common at this stage, but has anyone got any ideas as how to make it any more manageable? Thanks

 

  • Offline in reply to Bear42

    Hi Jonathan 

    welcome  to the dry mouth club ! Although last week I had my first acupuncture session and to be honest I have felt a slight improvement got another 3 booked. The lady doing it to be fair has said if after 4 there’s not a noticeable difference she won’t do anymore. So at  £30 a session it’s worth me trying. 

    I slso use xylitol sugar free chewing gum and st night xyimelt lozenges stick to gum I buy those online now I am getting 8 hours sleep at least and only one glass of water.during night . Oh yes we are certainly all different although I’ve nit come across anyone yet who in my oncologist s words give yourself 10/14 days n y feel like yourself. Lol. Being optimistic I think ! But looks like a standard answer as others have said the same. 

    Food for me is a means to an end not a lot of pleasure but odd days I really enjoy lunch irvtes do there is hope. Baby steps all the way. Fruit now us ok apart from apples or pears  strange they dry me out even more. Are u coming up to final pet cat scan soon ? Good luck 

    hazel

     

  • Offline in reply to Bear42

    Hi Johnathan and Hazel

    Thanks for the reply I will suggest the plain water in the nebuliser and as you say its just time and allowing the body to heal. Very frustrating though and no day is the same thankfully. He has a bad day yesterday and today he is a bit better.The aftermath of the treatment definitely wears you down and its just how you cope with it easier some days than others .I showed him your post Johnathan because he does'nt read the blog. He could see you were at the same stage and looking for some answers so that helped to know others have been through the same experience. Well we will keep going thanks for the offer of the mobile Johnathan and will send you a friends request  if I think of anything to ask you. It seems all part of the recovery and we have just got to be patient and try and aliviate the symptons he has always been a person who gets things done and is very driven but that does'nt help if your body is not ready . So thanks everyone and will update to let you know how he is getting on.

    Evie

  • Offline in reply to Evie64
    I think one of the key problems for people who have always been in control of their lives - or at least think they have! - is that this is something you cannot hurry. It has to take its course which is very frustrating and lets be honest frightening. It WILL get better - fine words, but real.

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