HPV squamous cell throat cancer: Soft palate isn't working

@lizzyj58 thank you so much Lizzy58 for sharing this and thank you for the reminder. In a very short time, incredible response from what my husband calls his "A Team".

hi there. I am going through those problems myself. I can no longer swallow liquids or soft foods. I have been doing my throat exercise's 3 times perday. I also have been told to just keep trying to dry swallow as much as I can. Will they do throat dialation for you? I cannot get that done because my cancer is still active.

The real problem I have today after my last throat radiation 4 years ago is that I constantly produce mucous above my palate which is an obstruction to my swallowing..I get about 2-3 hours sleep every night because I have to sit up with head back to get the mucous to seep down so I can spit it out. If I don't I will start coughing and gagging because the mucous is starting to go down my throat. My nose at times stuffs up and I can't blow it out..A year ago my upper gums started getting swollen above my molars. It's like it's spreading to my hard palate...Could this be mucositis from the radiation or lymphatic fluids that are trying to drain...I had 33 lymph nodes removed on the left side of my neck. Still on the stomach tube (PEG tube). I had an allergy test and I am allergic to soy and cow's milk which is in the Glucerna that I have been living on for the 4 years. Could that be causing the mucous? I am seeing my 2nd. ENT doctor and he says everything looks fine in there while using his nasal scope..He said I should use a saline spray up my nostril to clear out the gunk from time to time.

@gareee314 The radiation girl told me the other day that this should all subside...It takes some people longer than others...I am 73 years old.

@gareee314 is the speech therapy helping you with the liquid swallow issues? My husband also also difficulty swallowing water and liquids after small palate surgery last month. He has to take very small sips for the liquid not to back up and come down his nose.. Very frustrating to him and I worry that he will dehydrate….

@pamelaaci Yes..She has me doing exercises on swallowing and also tongue exercises..The surgery was also in the back of the tongue with 2 masses. and the tip of my soft palate. Being that 33 lymph nodes were removed from the left side of my neck the speech girl thinks that I have mucousitis coming from lymphatic fluids not draining properly and collecting above my palate in the sinus canal. Radiation is mostly the blame for all this including frying my saliva glands. Also my epiglotis is not working properly causing anything I drink too quickly to come out of my nose..Then there is the danger of going down the airway (aspiration). I have been going through this for about 4 1/2 years now.

@gareee314 Sounds good that the exercise is helping and crossing fingers that this might help him too. They also removed all lymph nodes from his neck (all found to be ok with no cancer). His neck did swell in the front with fluid but seems to be going down. I've arranged for a lymphatic drainage massage this week and hope this helps. 4-1/2 years is very long and you certainly have a lot of patience, my fear also is the aspirating going to the lungs. . Husband has to carry kleenexes with him everywhere he goes in case he happens to drink something. Did they tell you about maybe trying a Palate Obturator? This seems to be the plan our surgeon mentioned to follow after 6 months but from what I've heard, even on this site, not very successful. We were disappointed to find out that he is not considering a surgical flap which was originally discussed prior to surgery and supposed to correct the aspiration and nasal speech. Thank you for confirming that the swallow/speech might help. Wishing you a magical and speedy recovery!

@pamelaaci Yes I am having a palatal lift device made right now..I had it home awhile after the specialist molded it with hot wax (uncomfortable) and it was like having a shoehorn in my mouth made of acrylic and clipped on my upper molars..I could hardly swallow spit because the tongue can hardly move with it in. Had to be taken out after 10 minutes to hock-up more mucous from above the palate..$2,000 later found out Medicare wouldn't reimburse because they said not related to cancer..We and the specialist are appealing.... Oh, being on Glucerna I have to be near a toilet because of loose stool. Found out I am allergic to cow's milk and soy from a blood drawing.. This is what Glucerna has in it. This might be causing the mucous and inside palate and gum swelling.

@gareee314 You certainly have been strong through this battle, at least there is some progress and good that you caught the issue with Glucerna. Truly hope the palatal device is a big help to you and will look forward to hearing from you with an update on this. They tell me it is too early for him to get one to try and I'm just worried about the continued aspiration. Pneumonia is not fun, I was in ICU 7 nights due to pneumonia, Thank you!

I'll keep you notified ..Thanks for replying back.