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Recovery of taste

Minimee
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Hi all,

My partner is now 7 weeks poat RT. He stil has no taste at all. He is PEG reliant for all nutrition and water. He does have a couple of cups of tea orally, whivh he cannot taste. Can anyone tell me how long it  takes for taste buds to come back. Is there any thing that I can do to help stmulate his taste buds.

Thank you

  • Hello Minimee

    I'm sorry to hear that your partner is struggling with some post-treatment side effects.

    We have quite a number of members here on the forum who have been through treatment for throat/oral cancers.  I know from reading their posts just how harsh treatment can be and that it can take quite some time for things to settle and start to return to some semblance of normal. Many of the members talk about nutrition as being a necessity rather than an enjoyment for quite a while I'm afraid. 

    We have a very active thread here which I'd suggest you might want to have a look at and maybe post a message on. They're a friendly group and I'm sure will offer any advice and support they can. You will also find on the thread links to a few personal blogs written by [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ and [@Anchor1707]‍ which I know other members have found useful. 

    If you want to chat with our team of nurses at any point you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    I hope that things settle and improve for him over the coming weeks and months. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi. Unfortunately there’s not much you  can do to get taste buds working it is really a case if time. The radiotherapy does brutal damage to our mouths and it takes time , i know its not want  you want  to hear, but his mouth will be so sensitive. I am now 39 month so post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer in can taste most thjngs but I also niw have an accentuated taste spicy foods are a definate no no. See if you  can get him ti orally drink  the high calorie drinks ensure or fortisios give 300 calories which your  hubby needs .it will help eat him off the peg as well. Food will eventually return but in meantime it’s a case if eat to live rather than live to eat. I took the mantra food is fuel . It’s not easy but I was 61 when diagnosed and now 64 and just come back from a long stay holiday in Spain. 

    My blog may help www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com 

    Hazel 

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