Year +5, my saliva is back.

AnotherSurvivor

I did 35 IMRT/carbotaxol for stage III tonsil back in 2016. Last treatment Jan , 2017. I was NED at my 5 year in September.

I did get my taste back, in about March 2017.

I still have periodic muscle spasms in my jaw.

I have been using Xylimelts constantly for the last 5 years.

A few weeks ago I was working in the yard, forgot to have any Xylimelts with me, and I suddenly noticed I had a mouthful of thin watery saliva. Not quite what I had before treatment, but wet none the less. Since then my mouth has been producing at pretty close to a normal rate. Tonight I noticed a full mouthfull again.

I was told by my ENT at end of treatment that he had seen people get better on saliva over time, and I am here confirming that to be accurate. I still use Xylimelts occasionally, but can go for hours without.

Deep in the throes of treatment you can get discouraged. I remember almost crying a few months after treatment when I was wondering if I would ever get my taste back I put a small piece of sliced turkey in my mouth and realized I fully tasted it.

Things can and do get better. Hang in, let time do its thing.

MarineE5

AnotherSurvivor,

I am so happy for you, congratulations on your saliva returning, even if it took this long. You give hope to others with no saliva after treatments.

My Best to You and Everyone Here

whoisjohngaltmn

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/324923/year-5-my-saliva-is-back

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/324923/year-5-my-saliva-is-back

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/324923/year-5-my-saliva-is-back

swimbody

Man, that is great news! My saliva is about halfway there. This stinks but hopefully it can come back fast enough to protect my teeth. At least I quit drinking so that should definitely help out a lot of things. And I absolutely positively do not smoke so got some good things headed my way

wbcgaruss

Congratulations AnotherSurvivor.

So glad to hear it. I count you among the very most blessed ones because not many go through this treatment and get back to the level of saliva flow you seem to be experiencing. I rejoice with you.

Take Care-God Bless-Russ