OK, some quick questions...Today is Sunday, why is half my tongue white and why am i already loosing my taste...(i can still taste a little in the front of my mouth(tongue)what happened to the second week here, hell i havent even made it through that one yet? (seems like i might be getting the raw in of the deal with this!) Still no sore throat though, how would it have changed since Friday, and i didnt have treatment on Sat. or Sun. What is going on???

Linda, I don't really understand why this would be, but I noticed that my condition during a week of treatment tended to remain fairly satble in terms of not a lot of new symptoms but I often found my symptoms progressed and worsened on the weekend in between treatment! So you aren't alone in this. The main thing to realize, I think, is radiation works it's wonders and it's damage long after you are out from under the mask, so really your symptoms can get worse at any time.

If half your tongue is white that might be thrush, although when you get mucositis there also is a wierd whitish layer of stuff that covers your tongue. You should check it out with someone to be sure it isn't thrush because if it is, it will need medication to go away.

I lost my taste after about a week of radiation--that doesn't take long for many folks--seems like it's one of the earlier symptoms. Don't worry, it will come back eventually......hang in there!

Nelie

Linda,

Nelie is right -- you can frequently have a delayed reaction as the cumulative effects of radiation build up in your system. I had similar experiences where a change in appearance or sensation in my mouth would occur over the weekend, and for me the distortion of taste buds was one of the early warning signs.

Cathy

Thanks Ladies, for writing me back. I forgot to mention that i wear a stint in my mouth to protect one side of it, that is why it probably is on one side only, and i also noticed my bottom jaw(where they took out my bottom teeth)is numb too. Without trying to sound gross, my spit is getting thicker? Is that the mucositis everyone talks about? But i am happy to inform ya'll that i got a donut down this morning, took me awhile (had to chew it in the very front,like a rabbit eats)but damn it was gooood!!!

Sorry, pushed the wrong button. Lets get back to that donut...hmmm it was good, of course i had to drink a whole bottle of water to get it down, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do, right? I meet with my doctor today, and i will show her and talk to her about all the changes and let ya'll know. And starting today, i get to make my "X"'s on my calender again! I hope week 2 goes as fast as week 1 did. Have a great day, ladies and thanks so much for letting me know that i am normal.

Hi Linda,
Mucositis is/are the sores that form inside your mouth and on your tongue as a result of radiation. They hurt like hell, but usually don't last long. You may need some lidocaine and lortab elixir (liquid Vicodin) to get through that time. I actually needed the fentanyl patches for two weeks.
Riley

Almost forgot-there is also Stanford Mouthwash and Miracle Mouthwash that the pharmacy can make up for you, and a yellow powder to apply to the sores. I don't remember the name, but I can find it if necessary.

Hi, Linda. The "spit" aka slime- is likely to get worse before it gets better. Have you been told to use baking soda and water [with salt mixed in if you can tolerate it] as a gargle\rince? Amy

6 Days down...24 more to go!!! I can do this talked to the doctor today, everything that i was whining about is NORMAL, and just about on schedule. I did find out that i was going to be receiving (66 gray) total of radiation. She said it was a light dose, does anyone out there know? Im starting to panick though a little, about the "not tasting thing" so i have gave my husband a list of places i want to eat this week, while the taste buds are barely hanging in there...hmmm! Well, all is well here, so until tomarrow. Everyone have a great day!

Linda, not to worry about the taste. It disappears for a while, then you will have fun when it returns after treatment. Salt comes first, sweet last. And because you can taste the first bite of something is no guarantee you will be able to taste the second. It is a spotty return, but eventually it all works together. This is a worry you can put to rest. I, too, went to favorite restaurants and was disappointed that things I usually enjoyed tasted different. Just go with the flow. It will only be that way for a few weeks. Your are correct: 24 is a piece of cake!