No taste

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irishlass258
irishlass258 Member Posts: 16
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My husband has a rare form of neck cancer as it is Neuroendecrine large cell carcinoma. He is half way through chemo and has 10 radiation treatments out of 35. He  had to suspend radiation this week as his white cell count was too low and he needed a shot which he can't take with radiation. He is also scheduled for a CT scan on Monday and resuming radiation. He also has 3rd cycle of chemo (3 days straight of charboplatim and etoposide.

His problem is he has not taste left and has lost of mucuos. Any suggestions for helping him eat and what to eat?

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  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
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    options abound

    irishlass258,

    For me, my taste buds started turning off at three weeks into treatment and remained in a funky state for 219 days until I retired my blender.   For me, most foods tasted and felt awful, extremely awful.

    I did find some food heroes along the way, but mainly lived on smoothies.  Many find satisfaction in soft and bland foods, but the main arsenal in your weapons to combat eating disorder is determination, determination to keep trying everything and often.

    Today at nearly 4 years post I enjoy many, many foods and eat so slowly and in such small bites that I truly enjoy every bite.

    The new normal is different but okay.

    Good luck eating.

    Matt

  • Aking
    Aking Member Posts: 3
    #3
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    CivilMatt said:

    options abound

    irishlass258,

    For me, my taste buds started turning off at three weeks into treatment and remained in a funky state for 219 days until I retired my blender.   For me, most foods tasted and felt awful, extremely awful.

    I did find some food heroes along the way, but mainly lived on smoothies.  Many find satisfaction in soft and bland foods, but the main arsenal in your weapons to combat eating disorder is determination, determination to keep trying everything and often.

    Today at nearly 4 years post I enjoy many, many foods and eat so slowly and in such small bites that I truly enjoy every bite.

    The new normal is different but okay.

    Good luck eating.

    Matt

    Dry Mouth

    I've had 35 rad treatments and my salivary glands are gone. I've been out of treatment for 4 months and still can't gain weight. Could you write me and tell me your experienceschedule

     

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #4
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    Mucus

    That mucus stage is awful. I found using Mucinex  (or a generic version) really helped thin it so I didn't gag so much. Drinking plenty of water also helps to thin it. I did not experience a lack of taste,  but would just suggest experimenting with different foods to see what appeals to him. Smoothies and soups go down without much trouble too. The treatment is tough, but you'll find lots of support here.

  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #5
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    MrsBD said:

    Mucus

    That mucus stage is awful. I found using Mucinex  (or a generic version) really helped thin it so I didn't gag so much. Drinking plenty of water also helps to thin it. I did not experience a lack of taste,  but would just suggest experimenting with different foods to see what appeals to him. Smoothies and soups go down without much trouble too. The treatment is tough, but you'll find lots of support here.

    Hey AKing

    Check out the Superthread at the top of the page.  it will give you helpful insight and guidance.

    All of us are different and unique, but dry mouth is different for everyone.  If yours is bad, get a lot of calories with power drinks and blended smoothies.  They will help you keep up your energy.

    A positive attitude helps also.  It will get you through some of the dryest and frustrating days.

    Best Regards,

    Steve

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