Late side effects from Nasopharyngeal cancer

Hi. While I had a different cancer one of the side effects is a dry mouth due to a reduction in saliva. I use a xylimelt at night to keep my mouth moist and a sleep tape to stop me mouth breathing. Chewing gum has been my greatest standby. Some days I don't need any which is a blessing. All the late effects of RT are due to fibrosis and this can be progressive so although you are discharged from routine review I would still contact your CNS so that somebody in your support team can see you, especially as things seem to be getting worse.

Thank you so much, I do have Xylimelts and do use them but they seem to make me cough. I will contact my team ASAP.

Regards sheila

Hi Sheila. 
Hope you get some help. Do let us know how you get on if you feel up to it. 

Thankou, I will !

Hi Sheila

I use Biotene dry mouth gel to help with the dry mouth, and mostly works O.K. but sometimes makes me cough as well. I find if my mouth gets too dry coughing happens to me too. If I can then moisten it the coughing goes away. It is a most annoying side effect I have with my dry mouth. I had my last radiotherapy in 2019 on one side of my face and had radiotherapy previously in 2013 on the other side of my face for jaw cancer hence I still have a particularly dry mouth whereas many get almost full recovery from it.

I would definitely follow up about the difficulty with eating and swallowing if this is getting worse. The side effects from our life saving treatment can be a bit of an issue sometimes, the gift that keeps on giving for some of us.

Lyn

Hi ,thanks so much for your reply,it helps to know I'm not alone with these late side effects. I am going to try to speak to the ENT team about my issue as eating is difficult and I have no taste at all now . I am thankful that there is no sign of any cancer having returned. I hope that you continue to stay well and free from any other issue.

Kind regards sheila