After radiation adjusting to lack of taste

Gatoruno,

Looks like we are on similar schedules. I finished treatment on Feb 3rd, so I am almost 10 weeks out. I am also nervously awaiting my scan on May 2nd. As far as the taste issue, as others have said everyone is different. I keep plugging along trying new things each day. Some things taste good and I can actually swallow them, and then there are total failures. Today I tried to eat a ripe pear but it tasted like perfume!! Yesterday was a milestone for me, as I went out to a buffet with a friend. It was the "first" time to eat in a restaurant. I sampled everything on the buffet. I found several things that tasted good, a few things that I couldnt swallow, and 1 thing that was spicy and burned my mouth. My biggest achievement was having a few bites of salad! I love salad and havent had any in over 6 months. So be patient, your taste buds are still evolving, keep trying different foods and going to a buffet is a good way to try a lot of different things. We can do this!!!!

Thank you so much, this site is wonderful, nothing like hearing from,people who have been there. Some times friendscandal family mean well but the constant emphasis on being cheerful wears a bit thin. I know how important attitude is and I am a person of faith, however at times I have my down moments. I had open heart surgery performed in Puerto Rico. I was working there at the time. I'm had a six way cardiac bypass, subsequently I have had four stents put in. The stress of radiation has been considerable, until I found this site I had not talked to a single person that had throat cancer and radiation treatments. It is a source of inspiration for me. All too often I hear horrific stories from what appear to be well meaning people, this site mitigates that and helps me to understand others have been through this and survived. Thanks again for caring enough to write.

I just read your post and just had to write and tell you I am a 65 year old male and finished my treatment 8 months ago. I still have very little saliva and certain foods have no or very little taste. With that said I too am (or was) a foodie. I am now enjoying pasta with both alfredo and tomato sauce. I am back to eating rare steaks and burgers with either A-1 or ketchup. I eat eggs with ketchup. Coffee is finally tasting good again however with half and half. I still do smoothies with lots of fruit and add kale for something green. ONE important thing is I didn't read that you are using trays to do fluride treatments? WHen I asked my doctor how much longer I had to do the treatments (which is evry nite) he told me I may have to do them forever jut maybe four times a week. I just had a dental check up and was told my teeth are in great shape. I used to enjoy a glass of wine a few times a week but wine taste to acidic anymore. I read here a fellow tried beer and enjoyed it so I tried it and low and behold it didn't taste bad at all. So now I enjoy a beer every now and then. I hope your scan is like mine and many other people here and that is you get the NED report. No Evidence of Disease. I think once you get that report your attitude will definately change. You will notice changes slowly but surely. I know it's tough to stay positive but you have no other choice unless you want to go on anti depressent drugs. Hey which helps lots of people. However if you don't need them I think that is a better way to go. Your taste may not be as it was but you will get taste back that you can and will live with.In the meantime use Biotene mouth spray and Act lozenges to keep mouth wet. Go back to trying to enjoy your life.

Angeloc,

Just wanted to let you know that I am in your demographic and for me, wine was one of the last tastes to return, along with other alcoholic beverages (I've never drunk beer).  It took me about 2 years to like it again.  So maybe the beer will get you through until your taste for wine comes back.

Wishing you luck,

Susan

it takes time for taste to return.like 6 months to a year and longer.  Be patient