loss of taste

fisrpotpe

Grafikdsgnr said:

Much-Needed Encouragement From all of You!
Thanks so much to all of you who have responded on this site. I am heading into my 4th week of 35 rad treatments. I could have never possibly related to anyone talking about a loss of taste. I now have total empathy!!! And, how much taste is one of the 2 highest, ultimate pleasures in life. When it's gone, it's devastating.

I have already completely lost my taste combined with an extremely raw throat, sunburn and ongoing heartburn. Everything I eat tastes like I am eating a non-scented bar of soap covered in lard with a hint of tin-foil!

Up till now, I have always been really healthy, active and exercised regularly. This really blind-sided me! I'm trying to maintain as normal a life as before and keep up with my business at the same time. I'm blessed because I'm really busy, but because of the 3hrs a day away from my office to do the treatments, I'm having to go in really, really early, stay late and make up time on the weekends to keep up with it all. I'm starting to feel a little fatigued because of these hrs combined with the fact that I now absolutely dread the thought of eating! I'm starting to lose weight because my calorie intake is really down. They're telling me that I need to listen to my body and slow down. Hasn't been my nature and it messes with your mind. Experimenting every day just trying to find anything hi-protein that will go down easily and possibly provide me with a hint of taste.

Thanks so much to all of you for hope! I needed to hear that my taste can possibly return. I was so mistaken to think that water (the most basic of taste's) had no taste! Like you, John and others, I long for the day of savoring the wonderful 'taste' of water again. I had no idea.

I am so-o-o-o happy to still be on this side of the grass, though.

Again,
Thanks for the hope,
Pete

I am
amazed with your status. 4th week and your working full time.... awesome man
amazed with your PMA (positive mental attitude) i have learned and believe that 70-80 percent of kicking cancer's butt is maintaing PMA

those two amazements are huge in having hope. I can not say your taste will return, hell i am 15 plus years post treatment and my taste is gone and has been. what i have had to learn is to accept the new normal and once that happened eating with no taste was fine as long as I could eat and smell. the smeller kicked in big since the loss of taste so I almost think i eat well by smeller.

welcome to a wonderful family for support, information and hope.

prayers for continued pma and strength.

john

Grafikdsgnr

fisrpotpe said:

I am
amazed with your status. 4th week and your working full time.... awesome man
amazed with your PMA (positive mental attitude) i have learned and believe that 70-80 percent of kicking cancer's butt is maintaing PMA

those two amazements are huge in having hope. I can not say your taste will return, hell i am 15 plus years post treatment and my taste is gone and has been. what i have had to learn is to accept the new normal and once that happened eating with no taste was fine as long as I could eat and smell. the smeller kicked in big since the loss of taste so I almost think i eat well by smeller.

welcome to a wonderful family for support, information and hope.

prayers for continued pma and strength.

john

Thanks for the Comments, but . . .
Thanks so much for the positive feedback, but at this early stage I'm just trying to figure out how to deal with all of this and make it over this temporary bump in the road.

I am a firm believer that a positive attitude is huge! My sister had ovarian cancer for 16 years (I had heard that the average was 5?) and came alongside so many people during her journey. She was the inspiration for so many that at her eventual passing, about a quarter of the 400 people that showed up were unknown to us; her own family! Many of them stood up and to an open mic, spoke of how she was there for them when they could have given up. She got her strength from her faith and helping others.

I've already had a couple of miracles in the past few months. Out of my 3 surgeries in 4 months, I was told twice by the surgeons that I was absolutely for sure going to have to have my entire ear removed because the Squameous Cell cancer (very aggressive) had consumed the entire area. I was having to get my head around a prosthetic ear and no hearing on that side at all. Miraculously, I came out of these with the outer shape still relatively in tact and only the 'bowl' reamed out! The canal was saved and I still have my hearing! However, they found it in the areas behind and below my ear lobe to under the jaw. Had to have my saliva glands and lymph nodes removed on that side. Now it's heavy doses of radiation to catch those invisible 'rogue' cells. Fortunately, for the moment I have good teeth and didn't have to have any removed before these rad treatments. They do feel strange, though.

I hope that I can be an example to others and as positive as my sister during this journey. I have to keep up for myself and hope that this translates into help for others. Pretty tough now, but I believe that the light I see at the end of the tunnel is a victory and not an oncoming train!

Thanks all for the encouraging words.
Pete

Skiffin16

Grafikdsgnr said:

Thanks for the Comments, but . . .
Thanks so much for the positive feedback, but at this early stage I'm just trying to figure out how to deal with all of this and make it over this temporary bump in the road.

I am a firm believer that a positive attitude is huge! My sister had ovarian cancer for 16 years (I had heard that the average was 5?) and came alongside so many people during her journey. She was the inspiration for so many that at her eventual passing, about a quarter of the 400 people that showed up were unknown to us; her own family! Many of them stood up and to an open mic, spoke of how she was there for them when they could have given up. She got her strength from her faith and helping others.

I've already had a couple of miracles in the past few months. Out of my 3 surgeries in 4 months, I was told twice by the surgeons that I was absolutely for sure going to have to have my entire ear removed because the Squameous Cell cancer (very aggressive) had consumed the entire area. I was having to get my head around a prosthetic ear and no hearing on that side at all. Miraculously, I came out of these with the outer shape still relatively in tact and only the 'bowl' reamed out! The canal was saved and I still have my hearing! However, they found it in the areas behind and below my ear lobe to under the jaw. Had to have my saliva glands and lymph nodes removed on that side. Now it's heavy doses of radiation to catch those invisible 'rogue' cells. Fortunately, for the moment I have good teeth and didn't have to have any removed before these rad treatments. They do feel strange, though.

I hope that I can be an example to others and as positive as my sister during this journey. I have to keep up for myself and hope that this translates into help for others. Pretty tough now, but I believe that the light I see at the end of the tunnel is a victory and not an oncoming train!

Thanks all for the encouraging words.
Pete

Attitude
""I am a firm believer that a positive attitude is huge!

You are 100% correct, a positive attitude is huge. Surround yourself with positive people and family also.

Faith, Family and Friends

Best,
John

BrianKrashpad

Skiffin16 said:

Attitude
""I am a firm believer that a positive attitude is huge!

You are 100% correct, a positive attitude is huge. Surround yourself with positive people and family also.

Faith, Family and Friends

Best,
John

all R different
So far as I can tell, all my sense of taste has come back, and did so within a few mnonths of ending radiation. As everyone's said, it's different with everyone.

Good luck!

Be well.

Hondo

Grafikdsgnr said:

Thanks for the Comments, but . . .
Thanks so much for the positive feedback, but at this early stage I'm just trying to figure out how to deal with all of this and make it over this temporary bump in the road.

I am a firm believer that a positive attitude is huge! My sister had ovarian cancer for 16 years (I had heard that the average was 5?) and came alongside so many people during her journey. She was the inspiration for so many that at her eventual passing, about a quarter of the 400 people that showed up were unknown to us; her own family! Many of them stood up and to an open mic, spoke of how she was there for them when they could have given up. She got her strength from her faith and helping others.

I've already had a couple of miracles in the past few months. Out of my 3 surgeries in 4 months, I was told twice by the surgeons that I was absolutely for sure going to have to have my entire ear removed because the Squameous Cell cancer (very aggressive) had consumed the entire area. I was having to get my head around a prosthetic ear and no hearing on that side at all. Miraculously, I came out of these with the outer shape still relatively in tact and only the 'bowl' reamed out! The canal was saved and I still have my hearing! However, they found it in the areas behind and below my ear lobe to under the jaw. Had to have my saliva glands and lymph nodes removed on that side. Now it's heavy doses of radiation to catch those invisible 'rogue' cells. Fortunately, for the moment I have good teeth and didn't have to have any removed before these rad treatments. They do feel strange, though.

I hope that I can be an example to others and as positive as my sister during this journey. I have to keep up for myself and hope that this translates into help for others. Pretty tough now, but I believe that the light I see at the end of the tunnel is a victory and not an oncoming train!

Thanks all for the encouraging words.
Pete

Hi Pete

You are so right positive attitude is everything when going through this stuff. Sound like you are do well so for, so keep up the good spirits and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Wishing you all the best
Hondo

buzz99

A matter of taste
Buzz's taste came back rather quickly. By about 2 months post treatment, most of it was back. Hopefully you will recover all or most of it. Karen

Grafikdsgnr

BrianKrashpad said:

all R different
So far as I can tell, all my sense of taste has come back, and did so within a few mnonths of ending radiation. As everyone's said, it's different with everyone.

Good luck!

Be well.

Need Help With Loss of Taste Food Recommendations . . .
I dread eating now! Never, ever thought I'd say that. Major chore to get 80g of protein each day without drinking those horrible, thick, sweet protein shakes. I have absolutely no taste left at all! Only if you want to call 'metallic' a taste.

I HAVE discovered that trader Joe's Steel-cut oatmeal is the most tolerable thing I've tried. My wife is experimenting every day for me. I feel sorry for her as she is trying so hard to get me to eat. Everything is tough to get down with a raw, dry throat. Even water tastes awful. Trying everything for calories and protein. We've tried sweet potatoes, salmon, green beans, asparagus, BBQ chicken, home-made chicken/vegetable soups, Minestroni soup, seasoned pasta with tomato sauce, cottage cheese, ice cream shakes and smoothies with fruits, aloe, etc. (tolerable) and different protein shakes.

Any suggestions out there? I feel hungry in my stomach, but when I try to down things it is absolute drudgery. Have to fight the gag-reflex and it takes a long time to get through the little I do eat.

Thanks for listening to my appeal.

Pete

Skiffin16

Grafikdsgnr said:

Need Help With Loss of Taste Food Recommendations . . .
I dread eating now! Never, ever thought I'd say that. Major chore to get 80g of protein each day without drinking those horrible, thick, sweet protein shakes. I have absolutely no taste left at all! Only if you want to call 'metallic' a taste.

I HAVE discovered that trader Joe's Steel-cut oatmeal is the most tolerable thing I've tried. My wife is experimenting every day for me. I feel sorry for her as she is trying so hard to get me to eat. Everything is tough to get down with a raw, dry throat. Even water tastes awful. Trying everything for calories and protein. We've tried sweet potatoes, salmon, green beans, asparagus, BBQ chicken, home-made chicken/vegetable soups, Minestroni soup, seasoned pasta with tomato sauce, cottage cheese, ice cream shakes and smoothies with fruits, aloe, etc. (tolerable) and different protein shakes.

Any suggestions out there? I feel hungry in my stomach, but when I try to down things it is absolute drudgery. Have to fight the gag-reflex and it takes a long time to get through the little I do eat.

Thanks for listening to my appeal.

Pete

Thick Shake Drinks
You can fight it all ou want....

I'd be hard pressed to say that anything you can eat now, or for sure in the near future will even come close to the calories you will get from shakes similar to Ensure Plus at 350 calories per can.

Bottom line, taste and enjoyment will or should be secondary to survival and getting through treatment the easiest and most comfortable way you can.

I know that's not the news you wanted to hear, but it's the truth from my perspective and experience.

Best,
John

sweetblood22

Skiffin16 said:

Thick Shake Drinks
You can fight it all ou want....

I'd be hard pressed to say that anything you can eat now, or for sure in the near future will even come close to the calories you will get from shakes similar to Ensure Plus at 350 calories per can.

Bottom line, taste and enjoyment will or should be secondary to survival and getting through treatment the easiest and most comfortable way you can.

I know that's not the news you wanted to hear, but it's the truth from my perspective and experience.

Best,
John

Pete
There may be something I can suggest to you instead of the thick milk based nutritional supplement drinks. You can try Resource Boost Breeze. I used to order it through walgreens. It is sort of like a Hi-C drink box. It still has sugar in it, but it's not thick and milky.

Taste was an issue for a long time for me, but my problem was severe pain, mouth sores, bleeding, and tongue issues that made me peg reliant. I always said that when I finally was trying to eat again, that everything tasted like metal and salty wallpaper paste. Also every thing hurt me and burned me. Even water.

Flat Mug Root Beer, was the first thing I could drink and it tasted good and was almost soothing to my mouth and tongue.

LOOK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE HERE FOR THE BOOST BREEZE.  ALSO THE BENECALORIE MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO YOU AS WELL

Grafikdsgnr

Skiffin16 said:

Thick Shake Drinks
You can fight it all ou want....

I'd be hard pressed to say that anything you can eat now, or for sure in the near future will even come close to the calories you will get from shakes similar to Ensure Plus at 350 calories per can.

Bottom line, taste and enjoyment will or should be secondary to survival and getting through treatment the easiest and most comfortable way you can.

I know that's not the news you wanted to hear, but it's the truth from my perspective and experience.

Best,
John

I Need to Refocus . . .
Thanks John and Sweetblood for your input. Was having a really bad day yesterday as far as nausea, no appetite, but famished at the same time, metallic-taste overload and raw throat. I'm back to feeling fairly good today. Sorry for the venting.

Anyway, I will look into your suggestions and you are absolutely right . . . I'm should just be glad that I didn't lose my ear, I still have my hearing, I have tons of friends, a good church family, lots of communication, a resurgence of business, understanding clients, still able to go to the gym and get my mind off of this stuff for awhile and a wonderful, wonderful wife and kids. What more could you ask for? I stopped for a silent moment this morning and really thanked God for his protection, all the above, mercy and grace. A lot of people praying for me.

Thanks,
No more complaining . . .

Skiffin16

Grafikdsgnr said:

I Need to Refocus . . .
Thanks John and Sweetblood for your input. Was having a really bad day yesterday as far as nausea, no appetite, but famished at the same time, metallic-taste overload and raw throat. I'm back to feeling fairly good today. Sorry for the venting.

Anyway, I will look into your suggestions and you are absolutely right . . . I'm should just be glad that I didn't lose my ear, I still have my hearing, I have tons of friends, a good church family, lots of communication, a resurgence of business, understanding clients, still able to go to the gym and get my mind off of this stuff for awhile and a wonderful, wonderful wife and kids. What more could you ask for? I stopped for a silent moment this morning and really thanked God for his protection, all the above, mercy and grace. A lot of people praying for me.

Thanks,
No more complaining . . .

Vent Away...
It does a body good, LOL....

Where are you a graphic designer?

Both Sweet and I do art work, both have photos of our work in our individual expressions pages. Though on mine you might be subjected to several of my fishing photos posted there as well, LOL...

My son is a Creative Art Director out in San Fran... He used to work for BSSP, now ISOBAR.

He has done projects for MiniCooper, Radio Shack, Priceline, Columbia Sportswear....pretty cool career.

Best,
John

sweetblood22

Grafikdsgnr said:

I Need to Refocus . . .
Thanks John and Sweetblood for your input. Was having a really bad day yesterday as far as nausea, no appetite, but famished at the same time, metallic-taste overload and raw throat. I'm back to feeling fairly good today. Sorry for the venting.

Anyway, I will look into your suggestions and you are absolutely right . . . I'm should just be glad that I didn't lose my ear, I still have my hearing, I have tons of friends, a good church family, lots of communication, a resurgence of business, understanding clients, still able to go to the gym and get my mind off of this stuff for awhile and a wonderful, wonderful wife and kids. What more could you ask for? I stopped for a silent moment this morning and really thanked God for his protection, all the above, mercy and grace. A lot of people praying for me.

Thanks,
No more complaining . . .

Pete
No need to apologize to me, dude. Vent and complain to me any time you need to. That is what we are here for. we all need to do it every once in a while!

Hoping you do have a better day today.

Grafikdsgnr

Skiffin16 said:

Vent Away...
It does a body good, LOL....

Where are you a graphic designer?

Both Sweet and I do art work, both have photos of our work in our individual expressions pages. Though on mine you might be subjected to several of my fishing photos posted there as well, LOL...

My son is a Creative Art Director out in San Fran... He used to work for BSSP, now ISOBAR.

He has done projects for MiniCooper, Radio Shack, Priceline, Columbia Sportswear....pretty cool career.

Best,
John

Love my business and career . . .
Even though a couple of years ago my business took a hit when companies went into survival mode and marketing wasn't on their radar, I love what I do. Creative inspiration comes so easy more often than not, but can be a real struggle at times. Every project is like re-inventing the wheel and my day-to-day routine is NEVER the same. A friend psychologist asked me one time if I knew the definition of a 'rut'. Well, of course I gave him the dictionary meaning . . .he shot this back at me: "A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out"! I always remembered this and am fortunate that my only rut has been this past year on this cancer journey. Thank God every day for what you have, surround yourself with good, positive friends and cherish family to the utmost. Never heard of anyone on their death bed asking to be surrounded with all their 'stuff' It's ALWAYS family.

I have a design studio in Orange county, California. Clients in many business sectors. Probably weighted 70/30-B2B/consumer. Sounds like your son is working with more consumer.

You probably said earlier, but where are you located and where do you fish?
Most of my fishing has been spin and fly in the CA Sierra's, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Got to go to the Northwest Territories in '94 via float plane to a really isolated lodge. It was a customer who paid for it for me if I gave a 15-minute talk on their upcoming years plans. Needless to say, I jumped on it! :~))

One of these days when I have a moment I'll post some photos and create my profile.

Pete

Hondo

Grafikdsgnr said:

I Need to Refocus . . .
Thanks John and Sweetblood for your input. Was having a really bad day yesterday as far as nausea, no appetite, but famished at the same time, metallic-taste overload and raw throat. I'm back to feeling fairly good today. Sorry for the venting.

Anyway, I will look into your suggestions and you are absolutely right . . . I'm should just be glad that I didn't lose my ear, I still have my hearing, I have tons of friends, a good church family, lots of communication, a resurgence of business, understanding clients, still able to go to the gym and get my mind off of this stuff for awhile and a wonderful, wonderful wife and kids. What more could you ask for? I stopped for a silent moment this morning and really thanked God for his protection, all the above, mercy and grace. A lot of people praying for me.

Thanks,
No more complaining . . .

Pete

To be on the safe side, here we don’t give Sweet any hell because she has a wicked little Voodoo doll she brings out now and then. lol

Really like you said a lot of good friends and believing in the Man up above is where our true strength comes from. Here on CSN is a place we can communicate between others who are just like us and knows what we go through everyday.

Some of us are long timers here and stay for only one reason and that is to help others who are just starting there journey. We try to make there treatment a little easer by helping them understand what they are going through and what to expect in the future.

Great having you here with us

Take care while in the Lords workshop
Hondo

sweetblood22

Hondo said:

Pete

To be on the safe side, here we don’t give Sweet any hell because she has a wicked little Voodoo doll she brings out now and then. lol

Really like you said a lot of good friends and believing in the Man up above is where our true strength comes from. Here on CSN is a place we can communicate between others who are just like us and knows what we go through everyday.

Some of us are long timers here and stay for only one reason and that is to help others who are just starting there journey. We try to make there treatment a little easer by helping them understand what they are going through and what to expect in the future.

Great having you here with us

Take care while in the Lords workshop
Hondo

Voodoo Doll
Now Hondo, that's not true. The voodoo doll is soley reserved for John, and he has me as punching everyone else in the throat. O.o

Greend

Grafikdsgnr said:

Need Help With Loss of Taste Food Recommendations . . .
I dread eating now! Never, ever thought I'd say that. Major chore to get 80g of protein each day without drinking those horrible, thick, sweet protein shakes. I have absolutely no taste left at all! Only if you want to call 'metallic' a taste.

I HAVE discovered that trader Joe's Steel-cut oatmeal is the most tolerable thing I've tried. My wife is experimenting every day for me. I feel sorry for her as she is trying so hard to get me to eat. Everything is tough to get down with a raw, dry throat. Even water tastes awful. Trying everything for calories and protein. We've tried sweet potatoes, salmon, green beans, asparagus, BBQ chicken, home-made chicken/vegetable soups, Minestroni soup, seasoned pasta with tomato sauce, cottage cheese, ice cream shakes and smoothies with fruits, aloe, etc. (tolerable) and different protein shakes.

Any suggestions out there? I feel hungry in my stomach, but when I try to down things it is absolute drudgery. Have to fight the gag-reflex and it takes a long time to get through the little I do eat.

Thanks for listening to my appeal.

Pete

To eat or not to eat
The simple fact is you must take in calories and in my opinion it doesn't matter at this time where they come from (I will hear about this from others I know). I knew I needed a balanced meal but frankly didn't care, eating food was too much effort and not worth it. I didn't have a wife but I did have a 14 and 16 year son and I think my 16 year old probably forced me to eat when others couldn't and I know he was stressed all the time I was being treated. I lived on bland foods chicken noodle soup, oatmeal, cream of wheat, mashed potatos with gravy and grits all with butter, sugar or whatever I could get on them.

Get used to taking a long time to eat, that is now a part of your new NORMAL, hopefully it will get better.

It will get better with time and try not to let it frustrate your wife. She is scared and feels she must help you when in fact there is little anyone can do at this point it's just hard to accept that fact.

bon appetite' with your half course meals as I pour my Ensure down my tube :>)

Denny

Denny

Skiffin16

Grafikdsgnr said:

Love my business and career . . .
Even though a couple of years ago my business took a hit when companies went into survival mode and marketing wasn't on their radar, I love what I do. Creative inspiration comes so easy more often than not, but can be a real struggle at times. Every project is like re-inventing the wheel and my day-to-day routine is NEVER the same. A friend psychologist asked me one time if I knew the definition of a 'rut'. Well, of course I gave him the dictionary meaning . . .he shot this back at me: "A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out"! I always remembered this and am fortunate that my only rut has been this past year on this cancer journey. Thank God every day for what you have, surround yourself with good, positive friends and cherish family to the utmost. Never heard of anyone on their death bed asking to be surrounded with all their 'stuff' It's ALWAYS family.

I have a design studio in Orange county, California. Clients in many business sectors. Probably weighted 70/30-B2B/consumer. Sounds like your son is working with more consumer.

You probably said earlier, but where are you located and where do you fish?
Most of my fishing has been spin and fly in the CA Sierra's, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Got to go to the Northwest Territories in '94 via float plane to a really isolated lodge. It was a customer who paid for it for me if I gave a 15-minute talk on their upcoming years plans. Needless to say, I jumped on it! :~))

One of these days when I have a moment I'll post some photos and create my profile.

Pete

Florida
I live in Lakeland, between Tampa nad Orlando....

Fishing mainly Tampa Bay, and local lakes when it starts getting colder and trips are shorter.

JG

Grafikdsgnr

Hondo said:

Pete

To be on the safe side, here we don’t give Sweet any hell because she has a wicked little Voodoo doll she brings out now and then. lol

Really like you said a lot of good friends and believing in the Man up above is where our true strength comes from. Here on CSN is a place we can communicate between others who are just like us and knows what we go through everyday.

Some of us are long timers here and stay for only one reason and that is to help others who are just starting there journey. We try to make there treatment a little easer by helping them understand what they are going through and what to expect in the future.

Great having you here with us

Take care while in the Lords workshop
Hondo

Almost Hate to Ask This . . .
Have any of you developed thyroid issues since rad treatments?
Do we need to be proactive in asking our Dr's to check blood regularly post rad treatments?
My wife has been on Synthroid for 20+ years and it crossed my mind that I could be joining her?

Thanks,
Pete

cwcad

Grafikdsgnr said:

Love my business and career . . .
Even though a couple of years ago my business took a hit when companies went into survival mode and marketing wasn't on their radar, I love what I do. Creative inspiration comes so easy more often than not, but can be a real struggle at times. Every project is like re-inventing the wheel and my day-to-day routine is NEVER the same. A friend psychologist asked me one time if I knew the definition of a 'rut'. Well, of course I gave him the dictionary meaning . . .he shot this back at me: "A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out"! I always remembered this and am fortunate that my only rut has been this past year on this cancer journey. Thank God every day for what you have, surround yourself with good, positive friends and cherish family to the utmost. Never heard of anyone on their death bed asking to be surrounded with all their 'stuff' It's ALWAYS family.

I have a design studio in Orange county, California. Clients in many business sectors. Probably weighted 70/30-B2B/consumer. Sounds like your son is working with more consumer.

You probably said earlier, but where are you located and where do you fish?
Most of my fishing has been spin and fly in the CA Sierra's, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Got to go to the Northwest Territories in '94 via float plane to a really isolated lodge. It was a customer who paid for it for me if I gave a 15-minute talk on their upcoming years plans. Needless to say, I jumped on it! :~))

One of these days when I have a moment I'll post some photos and create my profile.

Pete

It sounds like you should be giving the advice.
Hi Pete! IT has been a long time since I posted on this site. It will soon be six years since I had tongue cancer. Food was a real problem for me. I ahd seven weeks of radiation and chemo together. when it started my doctor advised me to get a tube into the stomach and meter my protein intake. I told them "No." thatnkfully my wife woould have non of it and it was decided that I would get a feed tube put in. I would not have made it with out mine. I am in awe of you! You are still working and in your fourth week of treatment? Wow, you are my new hero! I admire your positive attitude and pure strength of will to continue working.... and going to the gym for more energy consuming effort.? By the fourth week of treatment I was like a finely tuned Mazzerattii engine when it ran out of gas. I could turn over the engine but there wasn't any gas to ignite in the cylinders.

By the end of treatments everything tasted like concrete. Water hurt going down my throat.

Keep up the good work. Keep eating no matter how long it takes.

I look forward to viewing your pictures after you post them. I would post more of mine but that has somehow been lost in my memory banks. For the life of me I cannot get the pictures to move to this site?

Skiffin16

Grafikdsgnr said:

Almost Hate to Ask This . . .
Have any of you developed thyroid issues since rad treatments?
Do we need to be proactive in asking our Dr's to check blood regularly post rad treatments?
My wife has been on Synthroid for 20+ years and it crossed my mind that I could be joining her?

Thanks,
Pete

Thyroid
My thyroid is going south, not there yet, but on it's way south.

They (my ENT and Chemo MD) monitor my blood work and have for since the start (January 2009).

My TSH and Free T4 primarily, the TSH has been above normal for the last two years. It's been above 5.0, in the range of almost 7.0 now.

Can't remember my Free T4 numbers at the moment, but there in range.

They did try to start me on a minimal dose of Synthroid .25microgram I believe. It made my pulse race, and BP rose, so they took me off feeling I was still producing enough on my own.

I do get tired earlier in the evenings, I guess that could be about the only symptom, and occasionally I'm cooler than I have been in the past.

John