| | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | OP  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 | I've mentioned this before and got a few replies, but am hoping someone else will have an idea as to how to alleviate or help with my most recent problem/discomfort. I completed my radiation/chemo treatments in Jan 08 for tonsil cancer. Following that I had a very salty taste in my mouth; however, it has changed to a putrid sweet taste (probably for the last 6 months) that makes me feel constantly nauseated. I was wondering if others have had such a taste, and if so, how they dealt with it. I have a thick mucus too, which makes it even more sickening. Thanks for any replies.
Julieann
Julieann Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | My sweet tooth is far stronger now than pre Tx for instance I can even taste a hint of sweetness in a shot of Cuban coffee but nothing like you describe. What has your RO said?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 | My taste buds were picking up the sweets a little too much also--although, it has since subsided to something more normal. I don't care for chocolate anymore...
Try eating something salty...I believe your fluoride tx's ought to leave a slight salty taste behind...
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | OP "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 | Thanks for replying. My RO said it was unusual to have such a taste this far out from my treatments, but that she had heard of others having the same problem, associated with results of radiation and taste buds. An ENT oncologist I went to in Birmingham, AL said it wasn't uncommon and it could or could not go away. It just seems that not too many people have this problem (sweet taste). Hopefully, it'll subside.
Julieann
Julieann Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Julieann, I still have that nasty taste and I past 2 years , but that doesn't count the rad seed implants. As for the mucous, It's maybe more pronounced now that at 1st. Sweet anything just kills the tongue.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Christine's recipe for a mouthwash that seems to work is 2 cups of water.. 2tsp baking soda and 2 tsp of salt. She says if the salt is too much to eliminate it or cut back on it.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 4 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 4 | I am new to this. my hubby 2 yrs out from radiation treatments, surgery too. He always has mucus, horrible taste and has done so much to try to get rid of it. I read the rinse recipie and will have him try this. He does milkshakes, ice cream ones, and I think that contributes to the extra mucus.
Gramee
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Gramee,
It would be a good idea if you fill in the signature section of your profile so that we will know your husband's diagnosis and treatment and you don't have to keep re-posting it.
There is a forum for new users that you should read.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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