Originally posted by Melanie:
Busby,
My husband also had lots of thick mucus, very much during radiation/chemo treatment, but also afterwards. In fact, he still does and he's one year out... however it's not as thick now and is much more managable. When a person is already experiencing nausea and overall weakness from the treatments (particularly when receiving both chemo and radiation), the mucus can be particularly troublesome and quite nauseating. Also there usually comes a time during treatment that the throat is too sore to swallow as often as one needs to keep the mucus cleared. My husband can now swallow his secretions most all the time (and uses tissues only rarely)... but, back during treatment, and for several months after, he cleared the mucus with a suctioning machine. During periods when he was hospitalized, I made certain that his oncologist ordered suctioning in the room (which was just a hand-held suctioning "wand" that rested on the bed by my husband's pillow and he could grab and use for his mouth as needed, attached by tubing to a vacuum system on the wall above. A cannister held the waste and nurses emptied it. We also had a portable suctioning unit at home that the doctor ordered per my request which comes from companies that issue home medical equipment/supplies. Our insurance covered it no problem but, if you ever want one, checking first with your insurance may be a good idea. The machine is a little noisy when it is turned on at night which may disturb other's sleep, but better than the patient getting sick on the stomach from mucus build up. The suctioning machine was a godsend for us.
There may be times when a patient feels as though the mucus may be interfering with the airway and experiences a "choking" sensation... although it is usually cleared with an aggressive cough. Not long into treatment, I had my husband sleeping in a recliner so that his head was somewhat elevated to help prevent that from occurring. On most mornings when he awoke, there was a period of trying to clear his throat and, in doing so, he would begin to gag to the point of almost regurgitating. I had a prescription at home for Zofran, which I think helped his a.m. nausea/gagging somewhat, but it still was a persistent issue. It was very frightening for me when he gagged to the point of almost passing out... but, that never happened and I just had to get used to the whole morning scene, comforting him as best I could and sponging his face with cool cloths after an episode. It does get better. Treatment doesn't last forever, although you think it will never end when you're going through it.
I hope this has helped. Since your husband is the patient, you are likely a caregiver... so, feel free to email me (also a caregiver) any time you like. I now have lots'a tips and secrets!
Take extra good care of yourself... as much as you can during this challenging time. You are not alone.
