My husband was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in May last year. He opted for hormone treatment, monthly injection and daily tablets. He finds he has no taste - any suggest as to improve this?
thanks
My husband was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in May last year. He opted for hormone treatment, monthly injection and daily tablets. He finds he has no taste - any suggest as to improve this?
thanks
Hi JFM ,
Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question. My name is Amy and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
Sorry to hear your husband has no taste. We often find this this can also impact appetite and lead to weight loss. You don’t mention the medication and treatment he is currently taking - as this is sometimes a known side effect of certain drugs. It might be helpful to check in with his cancer team to let them know about any side effects he is having and how these are impacting on his day-to-day living and quality of life. They will be able to advise if there’s anything more they can do to help manage these symptoms.
There are many things you can try to help with taste changes and reduced appetite though. Enjoyment from food usually comes from a combination of senses; how it looks, smells, sounds, and tastes. Trying to focus on the senses that are still there can help improve enjoyment and amount. For example, choosing stronger smelling foods, trying to use as much taste in food by adding herbs/spices/ garlic etc.
You can read more about tips for dealing with changes in taste here.
We have a booklet called the building up diet that explores how to make the most of smaller, more regular portions when someone is loosing weight or has eating difficulties. It’s important to try keep mealtimes as relaxed as possible and continue to offer a varied of foods and drinks for encouragement.
Penny Brohn also has information about eating well with cancer you may find helpful to look through. Fifth Sense is a charity for people affected by smell and taste changes and has a wide range of recipe ideas.
Supporting a loved one can be extremely rewarding but equally emotionally and physically challenging so it’s important you are looking after yourself too.
If you even need a chat, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref: AC/KS
