Problems with coughing up

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Hi all. 

Finished 7 weeks radiotherapy for thyroid cancer on 12th of July.

I feel very well, started to eat solid foods, literally a piece of meat with potatoes yesterday. Although it took me longer than my family I still count it as a victory. 

I have a problem. I will try to explain it the best I can.

Since radiotherapy finished I seem to have the phlegm. It's not situated in my nose, it's not in my throat. I cannot feel it when I am standing up. But when I'm lying down it seems to block the space between my throat and nose and it affects my breathing.

About 2 weeks ago I was given med by my GP that was supposed to help loosen the phlegm, whenever it was. Didn't work at all.

Every morning I am spitting that thing but only a bit and it always is brownish in colour. I think it's the actual phlegm that I am describing above, there's just no way for me to cough it up - strangely I am not coughing or sneezing since radiotherapy stopped and it doesn't help. 

I don't have a infection, feel strong and well. 

Anyone understands what I am experiencing and have any advice on how to get rid of it? 

All the best!

Izzy.

  • Post nasal drip? Though because you’ve had RT it’s not a liquid drip. Does drinking help? 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • I don't think it does help.

    Besides it's not liquid at all, it's like a brown gel, very thick as well.

    Sorry, the description is disgusting. 

  • I still think it’s mucous collecting in your nasopharynx. Do you get a nasoendoscopy with your reviews? 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Never heard of it. So probably not Wink 

  • It’s a thin fibre optic tube up your nose to check your nasopharynx. Might be an idea to ask somebody to have a look at what’s going on at your next review. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Perfect, I will do that, not had it done yet. Maybe few years ago after first surgery but not now. Thank you for the suggestion, very useful Thumbsup tone2