I'm just now starting to feel a difference in the texture of my gums right at the base of my teeth. I fear many things are going to become very unpleasant very soon. I'm rinsing with baking soda, salt and warm water about 5x a day. I also use the Prevention brand oncology formula rinse. Funny thing about toothpaste, you don't realize how much of it is mint until you try to find a different flavor.

I'm in mourning over the taste I've lost so far. My food background beyond day to day meals covers hobby baking, smoking meats and eating as many different types of food as I can.

While at Sam's Club earlier I looked to see if they had the Scandishake, no luck. I will order some from Amazon.

I will be deeply saddened if I can't have coffee. I'm even willing to let it come to room temperature or have it over ice.

Question: My plan is to work as long as I can. At which point did pain medication become necessary? That in and of itself will end my ability to work.