How can something that smells so good taste so bad. I was wanting some soup tonight so I heated some up and smells delicious, but the moment I put in my mouth I wanted to gag. UGH

I had the same happen to me. I was always telling my wife how good things smelled, and that it was killing me because I knew I would not like the taste.

I am two months out now and my taste and eating are almost back to normal. I had stuffed pork chops tonight. My saliva is at about 75% and I am able to eat crackers and bread. There is light at the end of this tunnel.

I worry about sending news like this out as so many have so much trouble further out than I, but I do want folks to know that some of us have those good results we all hear about.

I was hoping to have a steak for Christmas and hit that goal last week. Reading the posts here I was worried it would sound like bragging but I think I should report my good results so those coming behind will understand that there are those who get some semblance of normality back fairly quickly.

I have other issues but my eating is not a major concern for me at this point.

Kelly

Kelly, you are very fortunate to be able to have regained your eating so quickly. Thats wonderful news. I always like hearing positive posts like yours, it is so encouraging to others. Lets them know that there is some sense of normalcy down the road.

Angelia, keep trying to eat all you can. Even if it tastes not the best. Its very important to keep your swallowing muscles active. Hang in there, you are doing great so far.

I am trying to swallow. OMG, It hurts so bad to swallow. Reminds me of when I had strep throat, but this is worse. I do have the liquid cocktail and lortab. Even that stuff does not cut the pain when swallowing. UGH

Angelia,

That smell vs taste thing is usually the first of many crappy things that this Tx brings us. You will most likely never lose your sense of smell but will you get use to not trusting it.

Memory is another cruel side effects as you will crave one of your favorite foods and you will mentally taste it and you will probably tell your hubby that he has to get you some because you just know it's going to taste the same and then you smell it and then you take the first bite and then BAM you are thrown back down to your new earth when it tastes like crap. Funny though I never did lose my taste for some sweets even though I rarely ate sweets pre Tx.

Again you are perfectly normal, messed up but normal.

I am really messed up alright. Someone today asked me why I hurt so bad and why I wasn't able to eat. people just do not have clue unless they have been through it or cared for some who has been through it do they? This person couldn't believe that radiation could cause so much pain and messing up.

andy is having the same problems. everything tastes bad. but i spend alot less time preparing meals now, since everything tastes bad, might as well make it simple--no more elaborate dinners.

and no, most people dont have a clue at all. but either did i before this happened so other peoples ignorance isnt always their fault. so i just try and ignore their stupid comments.

teresa

Go to my Anger & coping thread and post about this. We have over 10 THOUSAND views and I would like 11 THOUSAND by Christmas.
I still love the smell of food even though I taste nothing with my PEG tube
Charm

Hi Angelia,
Martin lost taste then smell then horrible taste came back and now over a year on he is about 70% back to normal (but he needs to constantly sip water). The thing that tasted ok for the longest was maple syrup. But I would try stuff and he would moan that it tasted salty. Tea tasted like fish. Sweet tasted salty... He said it really messed up with his head. nothing was like what it was supposed to be, but slowly taste crept back, and he could taste some things that were nice. Now he even likes things he used to hate, like French cheese. Martin says it's really hard to explain to anyone, I think i can understand a little as I learnt what combinations of food he didn't hate, but I can't really I suppose as i can taste still.
I found creamed rice pudding or custard was a favourite for a long time i used to add maple syrup and a bit of cinamon and it would mask the nasty tasste a little. At least that's what martin said.
I must say before martin got sick i had only heard of the side effects of radiation and I don't think anyone can really picture it until they go through it or care for someone who is. Also i think if the consultant had told Martin "you will feel like death warmed, not be able to eat and feel like jumping out of the window", he would have said "no way i am taking my chances".
Anyway, hold on the nasty taste will go away gradually, in the meantime try not too lose too much weight.
Thinking of you.
Cecilia