Advice please

Unfortunately excess mucus seems to be part and parcel of the treatment ,I was given caphosol,soluble tablets to use a a mouthwash, they did help.

Is your partner pump fed during the night? This can impact on sleeping patterns.

Excess mucus and associated nausea lessened when my Chemoradiotherapy finished, it does cause quite a bit of distress, my GP prescribed short courses of Zopiclone sleeping tablets when it was safe to do so, helpful in restoring sleeping patterns.

Hello there, Just as Micky said, these are unfortunately common side effects. My husband was struggling with all these and it was just as painful having to watch him to go through this. I guess persevering us the only way forward. Some days is a two step forward, one step back kind of journey. As hard as it is, stay positive and persevere. Keep doing what you are doing, you will get there. I thought this won't get any easier,now 6+ months live is looking some kind of normal. All the best for you guys. Hugs fellow wife Mel x

Hi Micky,

He's not pump fed, he uses a syringe. He's been advised not to take any sleeping tablets, but I'll ask about caphosol. I've not heard of it before, so this is really helpful.

Thank you for your input.

Doris

DorisGrylls said:

My question is, has anyone got any suggestions on how to help clear it please?

Your poor chap....so sorry he is in such a state. 

I'll add to the other's suggestions. There is a drug called Carbocysteine that is sometimes used off label. It's used in COPD and other diseases to thin mucous making it more easy to clear it. I wasn't offered it as my stickiness wasn't too bad but other folk here found it helpful.

Hugs 

Hi there! My husband is 3 months post 6 weeks chemoradiotherapy for T2N1MO P16-positive SCC of the left oropharynx (tonsil & base of tongue). The worst side effect for him is the thick mucus. It started at week 3 & is just dissipating now 15 weeks later. The amount of thick mucus was unbelievable. He was literally drowning in it & sounded like he had an internal engine just constantly generating it. It was 24/7 & really affected his sleep. He constantly had a spitoon / spit bowl in his hand & not to be gross but we would fill bin bags with it along with tissues! After a month of suffering he was prescribed Carbocisteine (mucodyne syrup) which did help in thinning it somewhat but it continued for another 8 weeks or so. We counted 12 weeks in total of the mucus when it finally started to lessen. He also used a nebuliser. No swallowing for 6 weeks at the height if it all & everything through his PEG so he couldn't gargle salt water to help. I just kept telling him this is temporary. He is now hardly coughing anything up & is much more comfortable. Best to your partner.