Excessive Mucus with Esophageal Cancer

Having eating problems with my esophageal cancer, I started drinking protein drinks to reach at least 60 grams daily. I started eating ICE cream. Some even with
a high-fat content. Drinking lots of milk. Instant coffee with fat and carbohydrates. I also drink turmeric tea and take supplements of turmeric. Things have gotten better. I have been able to eat lightly battered fish from Capt D. I can eat tacos now from Taco Bell. I just stay away from very solid foods like beef. I came to realize that the tumor in my throat was causing a gag reflex causing me to throw up and salivate. I am on the verge of chemo and radiation followed by min-invasive surgery. I hope this helps

How did you change your diet?

Hello Kelly, I am so sorry that your husband is going thru this. I am now 2 years out. The mucus gets bad I remember non stop coughing and using 2 large tissue boxes a day. I now clean and suction a couple of times a day but I live more normal as I was before. But keeping him taking in calories is important and keeping him hydrated. I pushed while I had pain medication to swallow - get a home nurse if you can to stop in and check on him daily- keep checking his oxygen levels- he needs to walk around the house to get up and he may need nausea medication and dry mouth spray. Some people have delay radiation side effects- so if he’s done with radiation and 3 months - 4 months he’s not feeling to hot it’s normal but keep taking him in to his doctors and checking his oxygen.

Oh, I totally understand what you’re saying. My husband is stage four adenocarcinoma. He was first diagnosed with Barrett’s syndrome, and it just seemed to get worse and worse, and then he just couldn’t eat or swallow but the mucus is always there. Every bite or drink he swallowed brought up mucus. He is now on his third stent, which is to help him be able to swallow, and it has also helped with the mucus, however each time there’s an issue with the stent, relocates or falls down into the stomach, always right back at the mucus stage again. And when he had his last stent put in, we also had a feeding tube put in that goes into the stomach and into the intestine so that even when he doesn’t feel like eating due to the chemo regimen, he is still getting nutrition. The mucus part is really tough. It robbed him of his ability of enjoying food and having friends or family around during meal times. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. If you do find a solution I’d love to know about it.

Sorry to hear about the pain. I don't experience any. Just pressure when I swallow. I chew sugarless gum all the time which helps with phlegm. I also drink lots of water. Hope he is feeling better soon.

My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 esophagus cancer August 2021 he has the same problem when he eats and drinks.
The Dr. Recent had a PET scan done and said everything was going looking good, but my husband still has trouble swallowing at times plus he has right sided nagging pain under his armpit below where his chemo port.
I have looked for ways to reduce the phlegm production, don't know that I could get him to take anything else because he has so much he is doing now. 😢