Excessive mucous after throat cancer treatment: How did you cope?

My husband had extensive throat surgery in late January. He had the same problem. We got no answers from doctors other than it's normal. No suggestions on how to reduce it. He is still unable to swallow but cancer returned so he's now undergoing radiation and is in hospital with mrsa and second case of pneumonia. I wish I could give you solutions but we've tried about everything. Can he swallow. If so it will likely improve. My husband has to either spit or suction it out. Hoping he'll be able to relearn how to swallow one day. I hope someone here can offer suggestions. My heart goes out to you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond,, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband! Yes, mine can swallow, but like you said he has to constantly spit in a cup,,, many blessings to you and your husband

Yes, my husband has excess mucus but it has subsided. He’s 9 moths out and has only a small amount in the morning.

Thank you! So there is a light at the end of the tunnel?

Mines never gone away, 10 years now.

I usually keep a small plastic cup handy.
I fold (2) sheets of toilet tissue, and place them over the centre of the cup. I do this4 times to form a Star with the toilet paper, then press another cup into the first cup to make a liner out of toilet paper, in the first ( bottom ) cup. See attached.

Next I have a small Spray Bottle, and I spray around the top of the cup and toilet paper, wet it, then form the wet upper paper around the inside, and let it dry. I always keep 4 made up like this on hand.

After a day, that water dries and left a paper mache liner. I can then use the cup, for a day. Take the liner out each day and flush it, and make up anew one and leave that one to dry out again.

I can spit out the mucous, and I just leave the cup somewhere obscure, in the living room that I can get access to easily.

I actually use 2 cups inside each other for the mould, 2 cups inside each other to squash the paper down with, and hardly any water.

The used ones then flush easily, to get rid of.

A year ago , I completed radiation treatments for cancer at the base of my tongue. I was told to expect a dry mouth. Instead I had excessive mucus. It lasted for about 6 month and has gotten much better. I still have some phlem and trouble swallowing but much much better. I swear my throat shrank. To be clear I did not have surgery. Praying as you heal, your symptoms will improve.

Dave thank you so much for the prayer and taking the time to respond, may blessings to you as well

Thank you! For the advice!

April 2023 I had TORSsurgery for base of tongue cancer. I also had as 30 lymph nodes removed in my neck. For about 2 months after surgery I had very heavy mucous forming. It gradually settled down. Then I went through 30 rounds of radiation and it came back. However as of today it has subsided 90% and generally worse first of the morning
Like he’s drowning, surgeon says it’s normal,,,, any one

People following this discussion may also be interested in tips and experiences shared in these related discussions:

- Excess phlegm after oral cancer surgery: What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/excess-phlegm/
- Phlegm and Saliva filling in the mouth after tongue sarcoma
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/phlegm-and-saliva-filling-in-the-mouth/
- Throat Radiation After-Effects, Aspiration & Suffocating Mucous
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/throat-radiation-after-effects-aspiration-suffocating-mucous/