Oesophageal white mucus

Hi everyone. My husband has recently been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He is just waiting to start his first chemo sessions. He is experiencing problems with constant white frothy mucus   No matter what he drinks, water, juice, tea or the protein shakes, he is constantly bringing up this mucus all the time. He is at his wits end and hardly taking in the calories he needs to keep his weight steady. Does anyone have any suggestions as to best deal with this problem. He’s been told to drink lemonade, but that doesn’t help, just increases the number of times he is bringing up this mucus. 

  • Hello GJgrayson

    I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's recent diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. I'm sure that this has been a difficult time for you both. 

    Please do speak to his specialist cancer nurse again, or his consultant if he has an appointment coming up. Explain that he is struggling to keep his calorie intake up due to the mucus that he is bringing up. Hopefully, they will be able to offer some further advice and support to help improve things for him ahead of starting chemotherapy. 

    You might want to consider posting on this thread, where lots of members have shared their journeys with this same diagnosis. One of those members may be able to share tips and advice for coping. 

    If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses for some support, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I do hope that things improve for your husband ahead of treatment starting. Keep in touch GJgrayson and let us know how you're both coping. 

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator