Mucusitis and a very, very sore throat

I have no really good suggestions other that to say that you aren't alone with this experience. I went through a similar things in the early weeks but eventually coped. For me, I had to try and distract myself and calm my mind and throat so as to avoid the coughing. It was hard at the start but, a bit like the mask, I devised a way of thinking about it that I could switch on easily after a while. Water helped as a distraction, both still and sparkling. I was told by a nurse that drinking lots would "thin down the mucus" but I never experienced that no matter how much I drank. I'm 11 months post treatment and it's now a lot easier - not 100% back to normal but getting closer every week that passes. I know the above sounds a bit airy-fairy but it helped me. All the best, Paul

I finished my treatment 1 April 25 and the weeks after the mucus was so bad.I lost my voice ,couldn't Swallow at all and had to rely on nutrition drinks through.I my PEG.Now into August and haven't used my PEG for 3weeks now.The mucus lasted around 3 weeks .It will get better and you will eventually be able to drink.I had some really bad days but take each day at a time .

I was seen by a kind and interested radiation oncology registrar yesterday and she prescribed Oxy.  She was really helpful and checked with the immuno onconolgist's pharmacist for interactions with Keytruda which were determined to be minimal and acceptable.  By the time I got back home with the script fulfilled my pain had gone off the scale but within 30 mins of taking the Oxy I could swallow again without pain..... what a relief.  This has been dragging on for weeks with the pain in my throat getting worse and worse.  I also seem to be coughing a lot less now as well and the coughing I do is not convulsive and unproductive.  I think the pain in my throat was causing me to 'flinch' and not swallow properly leading to a bit of leakage into my lungs and of course more coughing.  Anyway, early days yet but so far the Oxy has made a huge difference to my throat pain, the amount and type of coughing I do and the speed at which I can consume sustenance.

Hi there

My husband has just completed four treatment of Pembro and is experiencing a really sore throat, more in his gullet than in his mouth Even water cause him to have burning reaction and he cannot eat properly and is therefore losing weight.  He is also coughing a lot and the mucous is unbelieveable

We have been back to triage but nothing prescribed has worked.  Blood markers were all fine. Will you please let me know what Oxi is short for as he is due another treatment on Thursday and  even after two visits to Triage nothing prescribed has worked and once I know the full name of Oxi he can ask if he can have this to prevent any further distress

Thank you

Hi I had 30 sessions of radiotherapy...mucostitus has been a real problem. I have found that it builds up starting at the roof of my mouth then gets very thick in my mouth. The mouth washes I have do not really help. What I do when it is at its worse, is have a waste paper bin and kitchen roll next to me (so much mucus ) i then fill a mug with warm salty water and at least 6 times swirl the water around my mouth until I feel the mucus gathering in the water then spit it out in a beaker. It is only after that that I can drink some fluids.

LINDYLOU158940 said:

Oxi is short for

I suspect oxycodone. An opiate pain killer 

Tony178693a87f said:

Hi I had 30 sessions of radiotherapy...mucostitus has been a real problem. I have found that it builds up starting at the roof of my mouth then gets very thick in my mouth. The mouth washes I have do not really help.

Mucositis is the inflammation and ulceration you get from radiation. How long out of RT are you? It usually subsides within a month of treatment end though the odd ulcer can persist. 
The sticky saliva is different and can hang about a while. Mine was pretty manageable with sparking water or diet ginger ale. The bubbles seemed to cut through it enough for me to be able to swallow.