Saliva glands improvements?

Me too, bread is still a go no for me and for lunch each day I have Tuc biscuits with cheese and onion spread. For dinner no more than 3 or 4 mouthfuls then I’ve had enough. If it wasn’t for my Fresubin (2 daily) I think I’d lose far too much weight x

I had my last radiotherapy in 2022 and the dry mouth issue did improve to an extent but I still get a very dry mouth particularly at night but often during the day too. I carry water with me everywhere and a Biotene mouth spray to help moisturise my mouth. I wake up several times during the night with a dry mouth and need a sip of water and a spray of Biotene. I have found with eating the moister the food the better as it slips down much easier. As I have to eat puree  I mix in milk or Sustagen to make it less sticky and more fluid. I still rely heavily on drinking 3 Sustagens a day to keep up my calories. It is just part of my 'new normal' but I often dream of waking up and everything is back to normal. No such luck though so I take it a day at a time and keep busy enjoying various activities and that makes a big difference. I have worked on 'mindfulness' (getting totally involved in the moment so not able to think of anything else) and that has helped me enormously. I've still got a lot of life to live so don't want to waste it worrying over things that I can't change. 

Lyn

Wow Lynn I’ve just read your blog of what you have endured over the years and it has made me think that I have nothing to moan about. What a brave woman you are to have been through so much and have come out the other side. Well done and may you continue with your progress.

i will try to be more positive and just keep taking a couple of Fresubin daily until i can eat a proper meal.

Thanks for your reply. Sue x

Dear Lyn. You are one amazing woman! I'm feeling thoroughly ashamed of myself after reading your history. Please continue on the up and a great big Thank-you xx

Thanks Sue and Ange for your kind replies. Everyone's story is different though and both your experiences are just as valid as mine. It is what it is and does take a while to adapt to but we all get there in the end. 

Lyn

x

Hi Ange,

I am post radical radiochemo treatment for base of tongue cancer now 6 month. Damage to my throat which is normal of course and my saliva glands took a bit of a beating. The saliva build up gradually got better up to about 6 weeks ago when the saliva came back coupled with dry mouth. It is quite depressing when you think it’s just getting better but it’s so unpredictable! 

Stay strong !

Mark 

I wonder why it does this!!! Thank you x

Hi Ange,

The Consultants and SLT’s just say the saliva glands take a beating and it will come and go. 
So, just keep an open mind as to what will happen from the menu of possibilities based on your particular circumstances and keep your fingers crossed. Dry mouth will likewise start early in come in later, as in my case. I am just hoping it goes in due course.

Monitor your weight as well as you will lose weight!

My main weight loss has been muscular around arms and legs, with weight gain around the tummy ! This is unavoidable depending again on your situation. 

Mark 

Start early or come on later - excuse typo 

Very helpful Mark. Thank you. Struggling so very badly.  Keeping my fingers tightly crossed