An opportunity to share tips and tricks!

It was great to see everyone again this week. Our guest speaker was a late scratching so we were left to our own devices, chatting and swapping stories and offering tips and advice. 

After welcoming new members we touched on a regular but important topic; how to manage one of the most common side effects of head and neck radiotherapy treatment, the damage to salivary glands. Salivary gland damage (either temporary or permanent) can cause reduced saliva and dry mouth (xerostomia), and may lead to severe, lifelong complications. Symptoms include difficulties in chewing, swallowing, and speaking; thick, sticky saliva; increased dental cavities; oral infections; and altered taste, significantly reducing quality of life. We discussed the difficulty some of us have eating dry foods or in more serious cases, the need to puree foods to facilitate consumption. Sesame oil (or alternatively, olive oil) was mentioned as a topical mouth lubricant, and Xylimelts were mentioned for daytime or nighttime use to manage the xerostomia. Some of us find that holding our heads at specific angles while eating also helps.

There was also discussion about the management of side effects of mandibulectomy, including scar management, numbness, and issues with the bone donor site. Lymphatic drainage exercises were also raised.

Finally, there was a revealing discussion of whether a worsening of side effects of head and neck cancer treatment was common with stress (it was!) and a broader conversation around the management of anxiety, our capacity to cope with stress, and management of depression. While undoubtedly there are mental challenges for many of us post treatment (and this is indeed often normal), it was inspiring to hear the many supportive comments from members who are keeping a positive attitude and refusing to be defined solely by their cancer experience. We love to hear these stories and thank those of you that shared for your openness and ongoing support.

See you all next month! Please register here.