Mucous in throat

Coldinohio
Coldinohio Member Posts: 14
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Starting to feel the effects of radiation now. Nausea is gone from chemo, now I am having trouble gagging on the mucous in my throat. This has prevented me from eating enough. I have rinsed with salt baking soda solution. 13 radiation treatments down, and 19 to go. They have also discontinued me from the cisplatin. I will be having erbitux next week. How is this compared to cisplatin? I just can't wait to get through this treatment, but still am trying to be positive.

rj

Comments

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
    #2
    rooting for you

    Sorry got no answers mate - Im getting them from you! In up next! You sound like your doing great RJ.

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #3
    its an adventure

    for me at least, the mucus was about as bad as it got about where you are.  It actually got better later on.  For most, erbitux is child's play compared to cisplatinum.  Outide of the skin changes, odds are you won't have any side effects.  Nausea is possible, but not common.

    It is time to hunker down and just get one day at a time behind you.  Work on ways to get around the problems.  If you are havig trouble eating, go with liquid supplements.  Lots easier to swallow.  The rinsing helps, but is not a miracle.  but you can't possibly rinse enough.  Almost halfway done with rads.  You'll get there.

     

    best

  • thennies61
    thennies61 Member Posts: 285
    #4
    longtermsurvivor said:

    its an adventure

    for me at least, the mucus was about as bad as it got about where you are.  It actually got better later on.  For most, erbitux is child's play compared to cisplatinum.  Outide of the skin changes, odds are you won't have any side effects.  Nausea is possible, but not common.

    It is time to hunker down and just get one day at a time behind you.  Work on ways to get around the problems.  If you are havig trouble eating, go with liquid supplements.  Lots easier to swallow.  The rinsing helps, but is not a miracle.  but you can't possibly rinse enough.  Almost halfway done with rads.  You'll get there.

     

    best

    I'm on erbitux and the only

    I'm on erbitux and the only problem I had was acid reflex.Did vomit a few times and only lasted a few days.Now waiting for ance to set in.Started radiation then stopped as my mask got to loose from the swelling going down .But ready for the mucus I think.As stated on here alot of good advice.I'd go over to the top of site and see what has worked or at least been tried.But looks like your rounding third and heading home...

  • Coldinohio
    Coldinohio Member Posts: 14
    #5
    thennies61 said:

    I'm on erbitux and the only

    I'm on erbitux and the only problem I had was acid reflex.Did vomit a few times and only lasted a few days.Now waiting for ance to set in.Started radiation then stopped as my mask got to loose from the swelling going down .But ready for the mucus I think.As stated on here alot of good advice.I'd go over to the top of site and see what has worked or at least been tried.But looks like your rounding third and heading home...

    Hope

    Thanks for the info, this gives me hope That I can make it through. during radiation today they were testing the fire alarms at the treatment center. That made it extra fun lol.

     

    rj

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #6
    erbitux and mucus

    rj,

    Erbitux lets you relive the acne experience.  I only felt nausea after loading dose and not doses after.

    As for the mucus, rinse & spit, ginger ale, suction machine, musinex, what ever works,

    Good luck,

    Matt

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #7
    Jim could not continue the

    Jim could not continue the cisplatin either and did the erbitux. He got a very minor acne breakout and felt like he had a mild flu. As for the mucous, someone on here suggested a cold water vaporizor and it did help some. Hang in there, you can make it. Jim was 76 when he went through rads so you can do it too.

    Debbie

  • KB56
    KB56 Member Posts: 318 Member
    #8
    Erbitux

    RJ, I had 7 weeks of Erbitux and after the first dose it really wasn't' too bad.   The acne was a pain but it pretty much clears up before you finish.     You have less than 4 weeks

    of radiation left and that is awesome.   My daughter made me a count down board and every day I got to check off a box before you know it you will be finished.   honestly the next few weeks will suck but YOU WILL FEEL GOOD AGAIN.  Keep the faith, gargle as often as your want with warm salt water and chase it with cool baking soda water.  That really helped me and you csn do it as much as you need to do it. Stay hydrated and manage the pain and before you know it you will be finished.   

     

    Stay positive and keep fighting hard.   

    Keith

  • thennies61
    thennies61 Member Posts: 285
    #9
    KB56 said:

    Erbitux

    RJ, I had 7 weeks of Erbitux and after the first dose it really wasn't' too bad.   The acne was a pain but it pretty much clears up before you finish.     You have less than 4 weeks

    of radiation left and that is awesome.   My daughter made me a count down board and every day I got to check off a box before you know it you will be finished.   honestly the next few weeks will suck but YOU WILL FEEL GOOD AGAIN.  Keep the faith, gargle as often as your want with warm salt water and chase it with cool baking soda water.  That really helped me and you csn do it as much as you need to do it. Stay hydrated and manage the pain and before you know it you will be finished.   

     

    Stay positive and keep fighting hard.   

    Keith

    Went to my ENT today all was

    Went to my ENT today all was healing good asked about my trach tube and he wants to keep it in until radiation is over.He said once the mucus starts being able to suction it out will be a big help so better safe then sorry I guess.Went a pulled out my letter sweater while waiting for the acne to show up

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #10
    thennies61 said:

    Went to my ENT today all was

    Went to my ENT today all was healing good asked about my trach tube and he wants to keep it in until radiation is over.He said once the mucus starts being able to suction it out will be a big help so better safe then sorry I guess.Went a pulled out my letter sweater while waiting for the acne to show up

    the, just remember, it will

    the, just remember, it will come out soon and that's great.  sorry it didn't get to come out already but the time will be here before you know it and it will only be a memory for you.  hang in there.

    dj

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #11
    mucous

    My husband had an issue: he did the baking soda rinse nightly but the oncologist toldl him to take Mucinex to thin the mucous.  Helped a LOT.  

  • domz
    domz Member Posts: 1
    #12
    HI!
    Could someone help me

    HI!

    Could someone help me what to with my throat that it feels like i have a  razor blade in it. now im on my 13 day of radiation and twice on my chemotherapy tomorrow..

     

    i was diagnnosed with tongue cancer..

     

     

  • KB56
    KB56 Member Posts: 318 Member
    #13
    domz said:

    HI!
    Could someone help me

    HI!

    Could someone help me what to with my throat that it feels like i have a  razor blade in it. now im on my 13 day of radiation and twice on my chemotherapy tomorrow..

     

    i was diagnnosed with tongue cancer..

     

     

    Sore throat

    Domz, unfortunately your throat will probably be sore for quite a while to come.   Mine was really sore until 5 months after my last radiation treatment.  

    You can try gargling with warm salt water followed by cool baking soda water, that made mine feel better and also helped with the mucous that will most likely start soon.  They can also give you some Miracle Mouthwash which has some stuff in there that will help as well.    You also need to take the pain meds the Doctor perscribed to you as that's really what it was for and whay you need it.  The throat and mouth take a beating from the radiation and take your pain meds before you need them so you can control the pain.   Continually sip water and ALWAYS have it with you.

    You have a few tough months ahead of you but you can do it.  Check out the Superthread for tips and read through it as it will help you know what to expect and suggest some help with the symptons.

    Good luck,

    Keith

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