Bonnie,

I can't speak from personal experience with Amifostine, as it wasn't around when I was treated 17 years ago. From everything I've read here from those who have tried it, it's extremely difficult to go the whole way with it -- many people seem to find they have to stop at some point.

As one who had general field radiation (because IMRT also wasn't available then) and who had nothing protective done during treatment for salivary function, I've still been fortunate that much of it has come back over time, with help from Salagen (after the fact) and Biotene products. I can eat just about anything I want to, and my taste buds came back entirely within a few months after the end of my treatment.

Cathy