Hello, I am new to the community. My mum has been diagnosed with breast cancer and started treatment with chemo through pills (I am not sure which). One of the side effects that bother her the most is having excessive buildup of phlegm in her throat. She does not feel able to consult about this with her physician and it will be a while until she will have her next review (she does not live in the UK, the health system works differently there than it does here). I was wondering if anyone had any tips of things that might help ease the buildup of phlegm or help manage it? I hope it is OK to ask here. She would be grateful for some advice on this. I know it is very specific and only a small thing, but I hope I can help her with this, because sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference.
I am, of course, in daily contact with her to give her emotional support (cannot do much more from far away), and this is the first time she identified something that could help improve her general feeling, hence why I ask.
I am grateful for this community and thankful for any tips you can share.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but sorry that you had to find us.I am especially sorry to hear about your mum’s BC diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be very challenging but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this difficult time so can I recommend you join our supportive Breast cancer group as this will be a good place to connect with patients and family on the same cancer treatment pathway.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Family and friends and Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best ((hugs))
