Anyone have issues with thick saliva after radiation and chemo.

Posted by audrey25 @audrey25, Jul 2 12:10pm

Asking for my husband. Diagnosed with cancer at base of tongue in 2021. Completed 33 radiation and 3 chemo treatments. Has very thick saliva that seems to be getting worse. He ended up with a total larngectomy. He breathes through his stoma. Has very thick mucus in stoma and must suction frequently to remove. Does anyone have ideas how to help with saliva and mucus issues?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Jul 2 8:21pm

Hi @audrey25 Welcome to our group here on Connect. It’s been my limited experience that normal mucus in the throat is rather thick. I think that surprises us when we realize that. Only with a stoma or trach do we discover this. Still, if you are worried or stressed by this, by all means go visit the oncologist or your GP.
In the meantime likely someone with more experience with stoma maintenance might jump in here. I am sorry your husband has to have this going on and trying to deal with all the complications. Yet I know a couple guys who have lived and enjoyed life in similar circumstances. Courage.

Jody aka mojo244 | @mojo244 | Jul 2 9:52pm

@audrey25 , welcome and sorry for what you’re experiencing with your husband.
So though I am a stage IV survivor I did not need a tracheostomy and stoma. I do however have experience with my father in law back in the 90’s.
He had an enormous amount of mucus build up and I even spent a few nights with him suctioning it out.
It finally eased up to where he didn’t need the suction machine.
He did however still have mucus.
This is what we did and it helped tremendously:
-Kept a air vaporizer next to him
-kept a crochet net type cover over the opening and it had strings so he could tie around his neck. This needed to be kept damp. He used a small spray bottle to keep it damp.
-kept a roll of toilet paper next to him so he could hack the mucus up and into TP(cheaper than Kleenex).
If I think of anything else I will let you know. Keep us updated and pm me if you’d rather.

MOJO

doglover888 | @doglover888 | Jul 4 5:37am

Hi. I had esophageal cancer and have thick phlegm buildup. Hot drinks help by breaking it up. Also really helpful is cough syrup for phlegm. I switched to lactose free yogurt and chewing gum breaks it up if that is possible for your husband. Hope this helps.

ld1262 | @ld1262 | Jul 4 3:59pm

I had Stag 3 tongue cancer back in 2016, and developed that thick mucus as well. I found a dietary supplement called "SANEMD VITAAE" which has reduced significantly the amount of mucus by body produces. It takes between 60-90 days to really see the difference. The pill is quite large so I just dissolve them in a small cup of water during the day and drink it every evening. You can purchase on Amazon. Highly recommend giving it a try.