Sorry-Question about Phlegm

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KBL
KBL Member Posts: 2,521
edited September 2019 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I’m sorry, this is not the best topic. I’ve felt like I’ve had a golf ball and very thick phlegm for over two weeks. I haven’t been sick and don’t feel sick at all. I have no cough, just feel like I’m choking. It’s awful. I thought maybe it was acid reflux, but I went on a prescription and have been on it for a week for acid reflux. It hasn’t helped. I’ve also taken a generic Claritin.

I’m curious if anyone else has had this. I have occult breast cancer in my GI tract. I just don’t know what could be causing this.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited September 2019

    That sounds miserable. Have you seen an oncology ENT?

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  • KBL
    KBL Member Posts: 2,521
    edited September 2019

    Hi, ShetlandPony. I saw my oncologist on the 26th of August and it started on the 28th. I have an appointment with him on the 23rd of September, so I’m trying to wait until I see him to see what he says. I’ll ask about seeing an ENT. Thank you for the suggestion. It’s not been fun.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited September 2019

    KBL you could try Mucinex. It's supposed to thin out chest secretions.

    Feeling like you're choking all the time must be awful. Feel better soon. . .

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  • KBL
    KBL Member Posts: 2,521
    edited September 2019

    Thank you, Pajim. I just so happen to have some in my cupboard. I’ll try it after I eat. I appreciate the suggestion. I’ll let you know if it helps. It may be a few days.

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  • Leee
    Leee Member Posts: 155
    edited January 2020

    I have it as well and always clearing my throat. After PPI's it took a year to figure it out.

    It ended up being caused by chronic post nasal drip that has been challenging.

    Musinex, drink lots of water, sterile nasal irrigation, daily oral and nasal spray allergy medication all help a lot.

    I still have it but it's much better.

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  • Leee
    Leee Member Posts: 155
    edited January 2020

    I have it as well and always clearing my throat. After PPI’s it took a year to figure it out.


    It ended up being caused by chronic post nasal drip that has been challenging.


    Musinex, drink lots of water, sterile nasal irrigation, daily oral and allergy medication all help a lot.

    I also like to sip a warm (hydrating) drink and feel that it helps break up the mucus.

    I still have it but it’s much better.
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  • KBL
    KBL Member Posts: 2,521
    edited September 2019

    Leee, did your nose feel like it was dripping? Mine doesn't feel like it is at all. It's dry as a bone. That's so strange. What are PPIs? I did have a little bit of this feeling just before I was diagnosed Stage IV, but it got a little better and then came back out of nowhere. Thank you for your reply.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited September 2019

    KBL, PPI = proton pump inhibitors. Something like antacids. They hold down the amount of acid in your stomach. Some over the counter ones are Zantac and Prilosec.

    Whilst I take Zantac, Prilosec is probably the way to go if you're going to take it 'long term'. It's once a day. It used to be prescription -- there are stronger doses in prescription form.


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  • KBL
    KBL Member Posts: 2,521
    edited September 2019

    I’m actually taking Pantoprazole right now. It s been a week, and it hasn’t done a thing. Just didn’t realize that’s what it was called, a PPI. I was on it for two months when I was first diagnosed because I had a little gastritis.

    I took the Mucinex this morning. I’ll see if I feel any different after a few days of this.

    I appreciate the help.

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