I have just begun viewing these forums and am thankful to all of you for your helpful information. I was diagnosed in 2010 with a squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolar ridge requiring the removal of gum and four teeth. I recovered well and life was back to normal until I discovered a new tender spot and had a recurrence in November, 2012. I had surgery to remove more gum tissue and three more teeth, followed by radiation. Again, I have recovered well and am 4 weeks post radiation. I am a 57 year-old female, ran 5 days per week, never smoked and rarely have a glass of wine. I have lost about 12 pounds (now about 95 pounds but I'm only 5 feet tall), and am just now able to eat solid food again. I don't have any trouble with chewing, but everything tastes so bad, it's hard to keep eating. Is there anything which is recommended to improve the chances of taste buds coming back? Thank you so much!