Mickey....PLEASE do NOT listen to the well meaning friends who are saying they wouldnt do all of their treatments. That could make the difference between life and death. The loss of taste is temporary, it will return slowly over time. The saliva shortage is also temporary for most of us. There is medication called pilocarpine which will help you to produce more saliva. Beware of googling info. You really have found the very best place for correct up to date medical info about everything to do with oral cancer and its side effects. Check out the Health on the Net Code (HON) which certified OCF. Not just any website can have the bragging rights to be HON registered.



Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile