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Sinus Drainage

TAZ
TAZ CSN Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello all, Just finished my last of 35 radiation treatments,4Chemo for SCC Left tonsil two days ago.Have spent alot of time reading before posting this but haven't seen anyone else who has the problem of sinuses draining down the throat and no saliva glands to wash it down. Have spent many sleepless nights because of this and will spend one tonight. Went through treatments fairly well until last two weeks the sinus problems kick in. Healing is a one day at a time process but when your days are 24/7. I fight sleep as long as I can but it is very short lived. Any suggestions is appreciated!!!
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  • RoseEm
    RoseEm CSN Member Posts: 32
    #2
    Been there - still there
    I had about the same number of radiation treatments. I'm assuming when you say, "no salivary glands," you mean you have bad dry mouth. My treatments ended a year ago and I still battle that. My ENT told me the sinus problem is probably permanent since I've show no discernible difference in a year's time.

    I've used various methods to try and help. During the day, sugar-free gum or hard candies helps create saliva. I use Biotene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, spray and oral rinse). I keep a bottle of the oral rinse by my bed and it helps for as long as 3-4 hours. Right after radiation, my doctor prescribed Caphasol and it did work for me. I did not find the taste objectionable, but some on this board do.

    Mine has gotten a LOT better over time. You just have to fight through the early days after radiation. Good luck!
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  • TAZ
    TAZ CSN Member Posts: 2
    #3
    RoseEm said:

    Been there - still there
    I had about the same number of radiation treatments. I'm assuming when you say, "no salivary glands," you mean you have bad dry mouth. My treatments ended a year ago and I still battle that. My ENT told me the sinus problem is probably permanent since I've show no discernible difference in a year's time.

    I've used various methods to try and help. During the day, sugar-free gum or hard candies helps create saliva. I use Biotene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, spray and oral rinse). I keep a bottle of the oral rinse by my bed and it helps for as long as 3-4 hours. Right after radiation, my doctor prescribed Caphasol and it did work for me. I did not find the taste objectionable, but some on this board do.

    Mine has gotten a LOT better over time. You just have to fight through the early days after radiation. Good luck!

    Sinus Drainage
    Thank you for the reply. And you are correct when you call it a battle. Trying to stay positive, but as all do, I have my moments. Take Care and Thanks Again!!! TAZ
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