I am 4 weeks post radiation tx to my neck and mouth. the bitter/metalic/sour taste in my mouth is no better, if not worse. I did have mucositis while having treatment. is there anything I can do to ameliorate, cover up this taste while waiting to heal?

Welcome to OCF! Unfortunately, this is all part of the healing process. Recovery can take months. Dont worry your sense of taste should slowly return. There isnt anything I know of that will mask the odd taste you are experiencing. Keep up getting a minimum 2500 calories and 48 oz water daily. The better your nutrition, the faster you will bounce back. Best of luck with your continued improvements.

Christine's advice is excellent. I pretty much agree: there's not a whole lot you can do, your body will heal at its own rate. One thing you might try is chewing gum with Xylitol. I know Biotene makes a gum but I just use Trident Extra Care. It's good for your teeth, which we all need post-RT, and freshens your mouth too. Ingredient list-wise it has the most Xylitol of any of the readily available commercial brands that I've been able to find. Maybe someone else has another suggestion?

Hang in there - things will get better!

David 2

I think we all know that horrible taste all too well. The 1st question I asked on this forum was if I would ever be able to enjoy food again. It took a bit longer for me than most, I think, 18 months of Ensure Plus (the vanilla was the only one I could stand the taste of) and fruit smoothies. Now I'm eating pretty normally, although a lot of things are still dry and need lots of gravy or sauce of some kind. Time is pretty much the answer. I know some were back to eating in just a few months.