Foamy mucus: What helps with a g-tube?

Hi Daniela - my husband underwent an esophagectomy 11 months ago. He had that same thick mucus - bothersome: he had to keep a spit cup nearby at all times. He was afraid to swallow. The surgeon said to just swallow it and it eventually (after perhaps 1-2 months?) resolved. Good luck!

I had the same problem following my esophagectomy. Often with a post nasal drip and foamy from acid reflux. Unfortunately it lasted for a couple of months. I was able to rent a suction machine (Medicare/Humana eligible in CT) it made life easier. Eventually between the suction machine, a daily dose of Flonase and lansoprazol it became more tolerable. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Best wishes & prayers to your family.

I'm almost 6 weeks out from my esophagectomy and experienced similar mucus drainage via post nasal drip. It collected in my throat and contributed to nausea at times. I purchased saline spray and used it generously to clean my sinuses and throat. Spray, sniff, hack and spit. It's not pretty, but it worked for me.

@daniela033, I hope you saw the helpful responses from @eccid @cbsmom and @lionsfan. How's your dad doing? Is the mucus getting easier to manage?

Hi Colleen, thank you. He still has the mucus and surprisingly the post nasal drip as well now, as others have mentioned. He’s doing much better though. I see the spit cup around less. We’re getting ready to start chemo and radiation on 6 January. Not looking forward to it. Happy New Year!

He will handle chemo and radiation. It's challenging but doable. It's what we all do, he will too. No doubt about it.

Thank you, gdj! I’m stressing that too. It helps for him to hear this from you though.

I have mucus issues. But I am only in my second chemo with no rads or surgery yet. If I try to eat one oz of anything first I get a nasal drip then around 15 mins I will be choking on mucus unless I make myself purge the mucus. I was told this is because of the adenocarcinoma giving me the impression that as it is treated it should get better. However I'm seeing that this continues after surgical removal of the upper stomach and esophageal junction?. I guess my question is will I ever be able to eat again . Or is g tube it for me. ?

I’m in then same situation except jus finished my 3rd treatment. Hoping people share their experience so I have some kind idea what I can should expect

Hello all,

Since the first week of chemo through two weeks after esophoectomy, my husband still has the post nasal drip but abandoned the spit cup in the hospital. I do think without expelling the mucus, it makes him cough, which is painful after surgery. Lesser of two evils? Send you and your families healthy healing! We see light at the end of the tunnel: this week food that fits through a straw will progress to soft foods!! I've resisted his requests to put a burger through the blender but soon enough he'll be able to eat it whole. 🙂 Five more weeks of g-tube seems much more manageable now that we're in the swing of it - scary at first but completely manageable. He takes care of it himself 100% now.

There is always hope for all of us!!