| | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 | Over the weekend, Dad has begun with the metallic taste in everything he eats.
I've read that it could be a loss of Zinc due to RT and was wondering if anyone has/had tried Zinc lozenges to get rid of the metallic taste? | | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Kim,
I didn't have the metallic taste but I was put on Zinc capsules after radiation to 'help taste and improve healing'. I would check with dr. before starting them. Zinc is defintely supposed to help taste return according to docs at HUP. Some folks also recommend using plastic utensils to help get rid of metallic taste while eating. Hope that helps.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | 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 | I had a metallic (perhaps bitter) taste but it was early on in my rad and it didn't last long as it gave way to the "no taste" phase. I also never was offered nor did I use the zinc stuff.
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: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I agree with David on this one. Me either.
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: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 | Dad asked the oncologist about it and he did say Zinc capsules, so I'll be picking those up today.
Thanks! | | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 148 | I had bad metallic tastes during tx. Afterwards, my ROC prescribed Zinc to perhaps boost the return of my taste buds. Did not work and the Zinc actually made me sick to my stomach so I quit taking them immediately. Hope it works for him.
Bill . . . SCC - originated in right tonsil, drifted into neck ( 28 lymph nodes removed - one positive ). Radical neck dissection in September 07, completed 34 radiation tx on January 4, 2008. Used Peg. Non smoker, 61, good shape, no previous health issues. Second year PET scan - "all clear".
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Everyone is different. I took Zinc Sulphate capsules. I had no side effects and my taste was almost fully returned by 6 months. No way to prove it was the zinc, but no way to prove it wasn't either. Hope it works for your Dad.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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