Dry mouth from chemo

I'm 3 years 7 months (as of yesterday) out from chemo and I still wake up almost every night with my tongue sticking to the roof of my mouth. I too have water by my bedside. 

The only thing I have noticed that helps a little is if I don't eat too much salt, especially with the evening meal. 

None of the dry mouth washes make any difference. 

Do take a look at your tongue. Make sure you don't have Thursh. I had Thursh all through chemo,and  tried several medications that would help for a short period.  The Thrush has cleared up but I am left with damaged tastebuds. My tongue has a nasty white film on it all of the time. 

Be sure and tell your Oncologist before your next treatment.

TRU

I drink water like its going out of style, so I doubt I'm even close to being dehydrated.  I don't think I was during chemo, either, but it was 3 plus years ago, and I can't remember yesterday. 

Oh, and I'm up at least three times going to the loo. Drink, pee, drink, pee. Its never ending. 

Good idea though. I still think Thursh needs to be looked at. 

TRU

PamRav said:

Tiresome

I too drink water like crazy.  I took a good look in my mouth I'm certain it's not thrush. (At least not yet. )

Compared to all the other side effect out there (some of which I've had and some of which I haven't) this is small.. but annoying and tiresome ..  but as with everything else just one more thing to get used to....

For sure. I get so sick of all the little things that are annoying. In the past few days it seems like the neuropathy in my feet is going away, finally, and being replaced by being itchy. So awesome! It's a relatively minor thing but just yet another annoyance.

I wonder if you used a small humidifier in your room if it would help.

I keep ice chips in an insulated, covered mug by the bed. The ice  gives me just  enough moisture to alleviate the dryness without  having to run to the loo all night, although I still have to go at least once during the night.

Grace/lizard44

One of the best remidies for dry mouth, and also aids in the prevention of cavities, is a product called Xylimelts.  It was suggested that I use these by my dentist.  They have a minty like flavor and you stick them between your cheek and top teeth, where they gently adhere w/o any worry of dislodging And slowly dissolve Day or night.   You can find them in the dental section of drugstores usually next to the Biotene products.   They are sold as melts or spray.