hi, please don't be worried the scab is cancer & I send my condolences for losing your mom to cancer. I've had the fun of having this scab cough up for over 20 years. It has varied in frequency. Used to be only once every 10 days or so , the last few years it's been every other day. Keep track of it of course for any change, but don't fret too much. Until I saw on this site others had the same thing FINALLY I knew i wasn't the only one. For 20 years no doctor ever would give it any consideration. they ALL said never heard of such a thing, it'll likely go away, it's just an allergy, if you've had it so long it isn't any problem etc... The best luck i've had is occasional saline mist for nose, (you can get at any store), have hot beverage in mornings, inhale steam when in the shower. It doesn't stop them but at least they dislodge a little more gently . it does cause a sore throat feeling. See your doc about the sore thoat though. i've had many tonsil stones over the years, which can be causeing some of the sore throat. See the doc, and don't fret. 🙂 best of luck, hope you get some relief, have it be more manageable and feel better soon!