Happy Easter, I am 8 weeks post treatment for tonsillar cancer which had spread to my neck lymph node. I saw the consultant this week and he said he couldn't see anything untoward in my mouth My lymph node has shrunk and is mobile. All positive news, but will know more after my PET scan which will be booked in 6 weeks.
However, my current problem is thick phlegm which is making me feel nauseous and miserable. How long does this last for. I've tried steaming, mouthwashes etc. It seems to come and go. Has anyone tried a nebuliser?
Any advice most welcome.
Chris
Hi Chris. Well done on getting through the treatment. Yes thick mucous is par for the course. I managed just by steaming over hot water but lots of others got help from a nebuliser. Keeping a vaporiser by the bedside can be useful. Drinking lots of water does thin it down too. If none of these help you could ask your team if they might consider a drug called carbocysteine which can do the trick with some people. The sticky stuff does go. Mine went practically overnight by six weeks but we are all different. I hope that helps.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Chris well done in completing treatment i am 3.5 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes. I used a nebuliser for approx 3 mi this uo ti 6 times a day. Plus I had carbusistine prescribed. It dies go as quickly as it came often replaced with dry mouth. I also had a humidifier in the bedroom for night tkne. I still use xyimelts at night for dry mouth other than that am happily living my life.
my blog below might help.
hazel
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Thanks Hazel for your advice. I think my next step is to try a nebuliser and ask about Carbocisteine. Regards Chris
My reply disappeared but I see it's back
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi mine was a cool
Mist one. You don’t need a warm one tgat will dry the air up. Mine was from Amazon appx £25 tear drop shaoe. Never put anythjng other than cool boiled water in thrn no essential oils
Hazel
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Thank you. Was it the ‘crane’ tear drop one?
Hi Clare it’s was a cool mist
that was the name it was nearly 4 years ago from memory it was a lilac top.
crane doesn’t ring a bell the name was cool mist.
hazel x
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Would you folks recommend a warmair or cool air humidifier?
thank you
They work in different ways. A warm humidifier will give you more moisture in the air and they can be used with things like olbas oil. They are much better at reducing bacteria in the air. You have to make sure you keep the cool ones clean. Cool humidifiers like Hazel says mustn’t be used with anything but water
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007