New Throat Dryness--- and I'm 18 mo. out

Hi Everyone,

Coming back for help, since you have all been so kind and helpful in the past.I am now 18 months post for Base of Tongue Cancer, treated with neck discection and radiation. 

In Sept. my throat started to get VERY DRY.  If I had to use a slidding scale I would say 7-8 out of 10.  In fact, almost more dry then during treatment.  I have an oncologist appt in the next few weeks but would like to know if anyone has any suggestions to help me through.  I have tried increasing my fluids and that is a short lived fix.  Also am trying my best to keep the heat off in the house, since that only seems to make my throat dryer.

If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate your post.  I'd like to make the most of my doctors appt, by being able to offer what I have tried to help the dryness.  He gives me a limited amount of appointment time, so I want to be prepared.

Thanks in advance.  All my best to everyone here.  Debra

Hi Debra:

Winter air can be very dry and the heat in the house just can make things worse. But you might have something else going on...

Have you looked inside your mouth? Any changes there - ie any lesions, any kind of coating on the tongue or throat? I'm thinking that possibly you might have thrush/yeast infection. A dentist can help you diagnose that - is it easy enough to get an appt. to have him/her take a look?

If so, there a number of remedies including some OTC. Try also some yogurt - don't have to eat the whole container, even just a few spoonfuls. Stay away from high sugar foods.

Unfortunately, radiation causes a lot of problems with the salivary glands. Something to always try to stay ahead of...

Hope this helps!

- Jeff

Debra,

       I know what you speak of. I too noticed that my mouth has been very dry this past week or two. You touched on some of the things that I realized also. The heat running in the house and the lack of humidity during the winter.

        Usually chewing gum helps me with my dry mouth and when I stop chewing, my mouth gets dry once again. I also use Biotene mouthwash and Toothpaste which helps.

        Do you have a whole house humidifier on you furnace ?  or can you get a small one for areas that you might be in during the day. Even a small one for your room while you sleep at night? The humidity levels in your house during the winter should range between 45-60 %. You  will know if you have too much humidity if your windows sweat. You can also purchase a small gauge at a dollar store or garden store.

        Just throwing out some thoughts for you.

        My Best to You and Everyone Here

Thanks Jeff and Pop-Pop,appreciate your help. 

Best regards, Debra

On Nov 08, 2009 7:01 AM D1211 wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Coming back for help, since you have all been so kind and helpful in the past.I am now 18 months post for Base of Tongue Cancer, treated with neck discection and radiation. 

In Sept. my throat started to get VERY DRY.  If I had to use a slidding scale I would say 7-8 out of 10.  In fact, almost more dry then during treatment.  I have an oncologist appt in the next few weeks but would like to know if anyone has any suggestions to help me through.  I have tried increasing my fluids and that is a short lived fix.  Also am trying my best to keep the heat off in the house, since that only seems to make my throat dryer.

If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate your post.  I'd like to make the most of my doctors appt, by being able to offer what I have tried to help the dryness.  He gives me a limited amount of appointment time, so I want to be prepared.

Thanks in advance.  All my best to everyone here.  Debra

 

 

 

Hi,

I am 20 months out with the same diagnosis. I

 would look first to any meds you are taking like nati-depressants, cold or sinus pills etc that may cause dry mouth.

If you are more anxious that may cause dry mouth.

It could be allergies or a climate change.

Could you have injured your mouth-changed tooth pastes or mouth washes?  Any infections, colds....

Jusat brainstorming some ides for you that may impact saliva.

Best wishes a may God be close.

OUdave

Thank you for your reply OUDAVE, much appreciated.  Same diagnosis...there are quite a few of us out there.  Hope you are doing well.  Debra