hey everyone,
Iam a new cancer patient with sinus cancer that was discovered 8 weeks ago. I have been though 10 radiation treatments to date and have already lost all taste. If anyone has any info about what to expect from the next 15 treatments that would be helpful. MY cancer is under the left eye to my nasel passage, and I belive its at a early stage. They did another ct after the first 8 treatments and the doc said it shrunk 25% is this good. Any information would be helpful.
thanks, Paul

Hi Paul, typically your taste buds will start to recover about a month or 2 after you've completed radiation. Sometimes, some flavors can be tasted - I could taste coffee flavor for instance - just experiment. It takes time to regain all of the tastes. Salt is usually first and sweet things are the last.

Shrinkage after 10- treatments is a good sign - I would be encouraged by that. Didn't the doctor tell you that was good? Don't be afraid to ask.

Paul, my husband's last rad tx was July 8th, 05. He couldn't taste anything for the 2 weeks, but now tastes[like it should] coffee, coke, salt, vanilla ice cream. Altho most of his nourishment is still by peg, we are experimenting daily to find things that taste good to him. Good Luck and keep at it. Amy

Hi Paul. Sorry you are here. 25% is good. Eat all you can before your throat gets sore and make sure you have lots of canned soup and protein shake mixes around. Try and keep a good attitude and take one day at a time. Come in and post and talk, laugh and cry and whine. It all helps.

God bless you,
Barb~

Gary thanks for the info, The doctor did say that it was a good sign and that he is going to lower the radiation of each treatment so he dont have to worry about my left eyesight. Did you get any meds. to help with the taste or the sore throat thats going to follow? Did you lose all your taste when you where at this stage of treatment, I have been drinking a chocolate drink called ensure plus, it says to help gain or maintain weight. Its about all I can tolerate.
Thanks Paul

Thanks for repling Jam, how many treatments did your husband have total. and you sain that he couldnt taste for the two weeks is that during or after treatment.
Thanks Paul

Barb your insight helps alot, the protein shake that I refered to gary Ensure plus is that something that you would recommend? Because can soup doesnt even taste good anymore, also you mentioned the sore throat that will follow, will most people get sores inside the mouth area. Along with the sore throat?
Thanks Paul

Paul, John had 33 IMRT txs.[no chemo]Prior to the rad, He had surgery to remove the tumor from the floor of his mouth and part of his tounge and radical neck dissection.Part of his lower jaw bone was removed and all but 4 upper front teeth. His PEG was inserted during that surgery and he was on peg feeding only in the hospital. When he came home, we tried some liquids by mouth, but the peg kept him going. About the end of the 2nd week of IMRT he began to have trouble with the taste of anything in his mouth. Now, 22 days after last rad, some of his taste buds are awake again. You are in this fight for a long haul, so gather your strenght and patience Amy

Amy, thanks again for your reply. You know 22 days after the last radation treatment dont sound bad, but I know everybodys different Iam just going to hope for the best. I start my 3rd week of treatment on monday so Iam almost half way there and then I can work down hill on the side effects.
Thanks Paul

Paul,
I had IMRT as well and didn't take anything other than the chemo, which I suspect did more to wipe out my taste buds than the radiation. You really just have to ride it through. Have you tried Carnation Instant Breakfast? That worked pretty well for me. I take it that they are not radiating your throat - that the radiation to the tongue is more collateral, you may have a faster response for your taste buds returning. Did they require a PEG tube?

Paul I think everyone gets different side affects depending on where the tumor is and what the treatment is. I take Miles solution (Miles Mixture) one hour before I eat/drink a meal. Mine has cortisone, anti-biotic and something that makes my throat slick so things go down better. I understand some has lidocaine in it for pain relief but I never got that. I just take Hydrocodone Elixor for pain.

With mine I never got mouth sores but lots of members on here have. Best place to post and ask about that would be down on the Currently In Treatment or Medications, Treatment, Procedures boards.

I have 6 treatments to go and though the last few aren't easy at least seeing the finish line keeps your morale up some. I am praying for you Paul so hang in there.

May God give you strength and comfort,
Barb~

Thanks Barb and Gary for your info, I have just singned up to this forum yesterday and I am glad I did everyone has been great, alot of the questions I have been woundering have been answered. I will keep you updated.
Thanks Paul