ORAL CARCINOMA -

After several surgical procedures to excise cancerous tumors from floor of mouth, under tongue and from gums spanning 2000 to 2005 a recurrence in 2006 was treated with radiation. No recurrence for 19 months. Surgeries and resultant grafts resulted in some loss of tongue mobility and radiation resulted in loss of taste. Cannot maneuver solid food in mouth so as to properly chew and swallow thus confined to largely liquid diet and without sense of taste have zero appetite. Anyone out there with similar problems?

John P.

I don't have your particular problem but I'm sure others will post soon.

My only comment is have you tried Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC which has 560 calories in a small 8 oz can and is nutritionally balanced. I know when I had no appetite it helped by getting the calories in me. I mean only 4 cans and you get 2240 cals which is enough to maintain weight in a "normal" person.

John,
Zero taste, is that your experience even with extremes such as lemon, salt, spicy and bitter. (..and I mean extremes like biting into a fresh lemon etc.)
Some of my patients have found that extremes help them to slightly improve their situations. I have also been told that smelling food will help them in their quest to taste again. Some research has lead to the fact that smell is an important part of taste. The brain will sometimes rebuild senses to some extent if stimulated properly. This is similar to salivary glands rebuilding when stimulated. I know every experience is different and every person responds differently I'm just trying to offer some suggestions.
If I can answer any questions for you please contact me.
Cheers,
Mike