Acupuncture & Taste recovery - Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue

ag0176
ag0176 Member Posts: 16
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi All,

I am very encouraged by the input from MrsBD.

It has been over 3 years for my diagnosis and treatment. (Details are all there in initial postings.)

I have been having a strange 3-4 month cycle of heightened sensitivity to all things oral. Speaking loud, even on phone, hurts the tongue

3 Years later I can summarise my current status as:

1) Tongue is very sensitive to heat & cold, granular foods & spices.

2) Some foods - Grams, Mong Beans, Basmati rice dessicate the oral cavity and are difficult to chew, almost unpalatable. While others - Urad lentils, Okra, Taro/Eddoe are very palatable.

3) Sour foods are not welcome, and "Hot" foods are an absolute no. The sense of sweet is very reduced, and is almoost nil by the 3rd/4th morsel.

4) Teeth develped micro-cracks, and had to undergo extended dental treatment.

5) Developed Hypothyroidism. On daily tablet of Thyronorm now. Also marginal on Diabetes.

6) Have been visiting my doc regularly every 3 months. He can not explain my tongue/taste condition, and offers any advice. Feels no signs of recurrence. No medication.

Otherwise I am physically as fit as I was before my diagnosis.

I would like to know more about the Acupuncture treatment that MrsBD underwent.

And please do share your experience.

Comments

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #2
    Acupuncture

    My acupuncturist used a protocol developed by MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. Although it was recommended by my oncologist,  I was skeptical that it would work. I had weekly treatments during the eight weeks of radiation/chemo and for ten weeks afterward. It was not uncomfortable at all. I did not lose my sense of taste, but noticed that I now prefer savory flavors, vegetables, and slightly salty food rather than sweet or sour. My salivary gland function dropped a little bit, but it is now nearly normal. Interestingly, all the hair that was lost on the back of my head has grown back even though the oncologist said the loss would be permanent. My acupuncturist said the treatments assisted in returning my body to normal. Acupuncture does not work for everyone and I feel very blessed that it did for me. 

  • Kapital
    Kapital Member Posts: 52 Member
    #3
    Acupuncture

    I too had a question regarding acupuncture. Thank you Mrs BD for your reply! I would love to know if any others have tried it to help with xerostomia. I live in the Los Angeles area and have been looking for an acupuncturist familiar with treating dry mouth. My husband finished treatment  for Tonsil CA (T1N2b p16+) in Feb of 2015 (IMRT 33 days and 3 rounds of carboplatin). He has since lost his sense of taste and most all of his saliva. He is currently taking Pilocarpine in an attempt to stimulate some salive, but it doesn't appear to be working. He has lost 70 lbs, and the dry mouth isn't helping him when it comes to eating. Otherwise he is doing well, but we would love to try some alternative methods.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    #4
    Worked for me

    At the recommendation of my surgeon, I tried acupuncture. I found someone locally that is a survivor and treats cancer patients. I went in with an open mind and the results were fantastic! I went every other week for the last 6 months. I've had increased saliva production as well as a significant reduction in pain. I've also been sleeping much better. The way I see it, it certainly can't hurt to try it. 

    Positive thoughts and prayers

    "T"

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