I had tongue cancer and had it cut out, it came back 4 years later. So I had 7 Friday’s of inductions of chemo and 5 weeks in the the hospital hooked up to chemo and twice daily radiation. My throat closed up and could not swallow or speak for 3 months. Lost 50lbs. Last radiation was Aust 3, Now I have dry mouth and super mouth pain to spicy, seasoning and most of all alcohol. When will I be able to enjoy a cocktail again. My wife misses her drinking buddy.

BJT,

Forget about a cocktail for now! There was a time, and not too long ago, that alcohol was questionable after treatment with the type of cancer, treatment, such as being HPV related, and some did have a cocktail whenever. Now, they say no alcohol is good for you! I don’t have the articles off hand as I lost them in my files, but it might have been two or three years ago. You can look it up as I will probably too. It may even be on the discussion board here.

On the other hand, I now do have a drink occasionally, beer or wine. Maybe not even once a month or two. It was several years after treatment that I drank beer, which I could taste before soda and others, but it still doesn’t make it right.

Whatever decision you make do so being informed, and do so responsibly. Good luck

https://www.npr.org/2018/08/24/6416...good-for-your-health-global-study-claims

http://time.com/5376552/how-much-alcohol-to-drink-study/?amp=true

Thanks, it is not that I am or was an alcoholic, but rather alcohol burns like hell in my throat if I try it now. I appreciate the heads up and my cancer was HPV related.

Also thanks for the links.

Nothing wrong with wanting a drink or wanting to get back to normal. I haven't read the links about if it's okay (because I don't drink), but the 'when' would vary by person anyway ... peppermint still burns me like crazy, five or so years out! I can't imagine anything more potent than mint or spices as even an option right now. Others go back to those foods right away. It totally varies.

Thanks Kristen, I only 6 months out and I am the same on the peppermint, spicy and seasoned food. Farina, noodles and fruity pebbles with bananas are my go to foods.

Hi BJT.
I would not want to comment on whether you could or should drink alcohol.
My Oncologists seemed to be unsure what to tell me when I asked them.
I have tried hard liquor, wine and beer.
The liquor and wine just left a bad aftertaste in my mouth all night. I found beer was better for me, and I felt that I was was getting some hydration and calories. For me, just a bit hard to go totally cold turkey.
But being that it's a social time with your wife and yourself, maybe try to have Non Alcohloic beer with her. If you miss the relaxing effects, maybe you can try some medical cannabis (if its legal in your state) a little before cocktail hour.
I use it at night only and it helps relax me for sleep.
I'm 10 months past chemo and rads, and I still have trouble eating, and only gained back 2 pounds after losing 55 pounds.
But, everything is improving slowly but surely.
Best wishes, enjoy the Spring.

Thanks and it’s that the alcohol still burns in my throat and I plan on to smoke or use edibles once I find a new job. I lost my job a year ago February, then the Cancer came back. Like double jeopardy. Thanks again for the advice.