Food Aversion

kdot2003
kdot2003 Member Posts: 143
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi, 

I just wanted to run something by you guys.  Heading into my fourth week of TX.  Starting last week I developed a food aversion (made that up).  First I was full after a couple bites and of course food tastes either weird or bad.  Then the metallic taste started and I was sick after eating a few bites.  Now it just seems like I cant eat.  I can physically eat although my throat feels scratched up its not too bad.  No sores.  I can drink water.  Its just weird.  Even though I tell myself I have to eat and try I just cant get over it.  I have a tube and this week I will probably start formula.  I know I have to keep swallowing.  Did anybody else have this?  Karen

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    food

    Kdot2003,

    I don’t know what you have but I did not like the feel and taste of 99% of all foods for seven months post treatment.  Then I got over it and things went back to normal.

    There were a few things which I liked but mainly I lived on smoothies.  All the while drinking lots and lots of water.

    I imagine it is worse for you during treatment but once it’s over you will quickly return to your new normal.

    Happy eats,

    Matt

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #3
    Food Aversion

    Fourth week? You're almost half done! It seems to me around that time was when I just didn't have much of an appetite anymore and my mouth and throat were really sore. It was the only time in my life that people were encouraging me to eat! My sense of taste remained pretty good, but like you said, food just didn't interest me. That seems to be fairly common. Try adding seasonings that smell good, as that can stimulate the appetite. Another issue that can cause lack of appetite is slowing down of the digestive system. There are medications that can help, and so can acupuncture. Be sure to talk to your doctor. Lack of appetite will be a battle for a few more months, so keep trying to talk yourself into eating, and keep swallowing. We'll be here to cheer you on.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    I understand what you're talking about....

    I called it "faint nausea".....it wasn't like I thought I was on the verge of throwing up (like real nausea)....but yuck....I didn't want to eat, and if I forced myself it got gaggy.  So yeah....time to pour it down the tube, one carton and breakfast/lunch/dinner is DONE...no more has to go in.  Start using your tube now....and then test using your mouth for food often, cuz things change quickly, by next week it might not taste like metal, but sheet rock...LOL.   You gotta swallow something everyday, and that might just be your water...but still....testing everyday, just to see if your taster has changed is a good idea.  I think it's healthier to get home cooked into your body rather than the formulas.....but either way, you've got to have the calories to maintain your strength.

    p

  • kdot2003
    kdot2003 Member Posts: 143
    #5
    phrannie51 said:

    I understand what you're talking about....

    I called it "faint nausea".....it wasn't like I thought I was on the verge of throwing up (like real nausea)....but yuck....I didn't want to eat, and if I forced myself it got gaggy.  So yeah....time to pour it down the tube, one carton and breakfast/lunch/dinner is DONE...no more has to go in.  Start using your tube now....and then test using your mouth for food often, cuz things change quickly, by next week it might not taste like metal, but sheet rock...LOL.   You gotta swallow something everyday, and that might just be your water...but still....testing everyday, just to see if your taster has changed is a good idea.  I think it's healthier to get home cooked into your body rather than the formulas.....but either way, you've got to have the calories to maintain your strength.

    p

    Yes

    Yes, thats exactly how it is.  This morning green beans are great.  Yesterday I threw away a whole smoothie.  Formula now supposed to be here Friday, meanwhile I lost 4# in a week and got neuropenic.  But everything is manageable and no terrible problems!  I am thankful.  Karen

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #6
    kdot2003 said:

    Yes

    Yes, thats exactly how it is.  This morning green beans are great.  Yesterday I threw away a whole smoothie.  Formula now supposed to be here Friday, meanwhile I lost 4# in a week and got neuropenic.  But everything is manageable and no terrible problems!  I am thankful.  Karen

    Karen

    Nutrition and hydration are key to the plan. Glad you have the tube ready to go tomorrow. Good luck

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #7
    Karen

    My husband reported that everything tasted like wet cardboard, so I think what you're experiencing is very common. Hang in there and use the tube, but keep swallowing, even if it's just water.

    Week four! You're doing great girl! More than halfway...I'll keep those prayers coming...

    Barbara

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