Olfactory NB - No Taste/Smell

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Rochester1950
Rochester1950 Member Posts: 6
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi - just found this blog.  I was diagnosed last December after a routine polyp surgery.  Have gone through 5 weeks of radiation and now have monthly endoscopies with either my oncologist or ENT.  Have lost sense of smell/taste and wondering if anyone has experienced the same and regained the senses.  If so, how long did it take?  Just looking for some encouragement.  Thank you.  Sheila

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  • Raddude
    Raddude Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016 #2
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    Hi Sheila

    Glad you found us. I never lost my sense of smell, but completly lost my taste. Everyone is different, but I am out for 7 months now and pretty much have my tast back about 90%. I did go through acupunture after treatment and it really helped me. Good luck!

  • Rochester1950
    Rochester1950 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2016 #3
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    Raddude said:

    Hi Sheila

    Glad you found us. I never lost my sense of smell, but completly lost my taste. Everyone is different, but I am out for 7 months now and pretty much have my tast back about 90%. I did go through acupunture after treatment and it really helped me. Good luck!

    Hi Raddude - thanks for the

    Hi Raddude - thanks for the encouragement!  Mayo told me senses will probably not return, but ENT and Oncologist are still hopeful.  I'll try to be patient.  Stay well!

     

  • Bsauls94518
    Bsauls94518 Member Posts: 32
    #4
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    It's back

    Hi Shelia,

    I didn't have radiation, they did endoscopic surgery and I lost both taste and smell for about 6 months. Both started coming back slowly and I really didn't notice when I recovered the abilities but it was very slight, like a memory and then more and more things started to have smell or taste.  I would say I am at 80-90% of normal.  I hope you have a full recovery soon! 

  • Heather_Lynn
    Heather_Lynn Member Posts: 7
    #5
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    Sense of smell and taste

    Hi. I only lost smell on the right side, and that hasn't come back-surgery in February followed by radiation. I dint lose taste, but it was altered for about 4 months. I hope yours returns soon.

  • KC61713
    KC61713 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2016 #6
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    Olfactory NB-No Taste/Smell

    Hi Sheila,  For me after 6 wks. radiation w/chemo everything tasted like metal or cardboard (probably the Platinum in the chemo). Chocolate became disgusting & sweets overall were the last to return but probably just as well as they only seemed to promote additional mucous. It was close to a year before I enjoyed any again. The salt water & baking soda rinse really helped balance my mouth's PH (1/2tsp salt, 1tsp baking soda per 8oz. water). Also using a Water Pic after certain meals that left residuals also helps. I didn't really experience any loss of smell.  

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