Taste

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi

I've been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Completed the first 12 weeks of chemo and have just started the second half comprising of FEC. Most of the side effects of the first half I've been able to manage with various remedies and other drugs. The one thing I can't get used to is the permanently disgusting taste in my mouth. For the most part I haven't lost sense of taste - just the odd thing that doesn't have a flavour. I don't have the metallic taste but it feels like I have a permanently salty mouth - as if I'd swallowed too much sea water! Occasionally it takes on a soapy taste!! Has anyone else experienced this and/or have any suggestions as how to manage this. I'm currently trying diluted mouthwash so I can use it several times a day.

Thank you for any suggestions. 

  • Hi  and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us.

    So a totally different cancer and treatment journey but the chemo taste thing was most frustrating and made everything taste like sucking an old rusty penny.

    A pharmacist friend came to visit me in hospital on my first 5 day treatment and she had a container of fresh pineapple and mellon and this did help me a lot......... but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.

    Can I direct you to this link to our Triple negative breast cancer group as this will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.

    Just follow the link above, hitting ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name, then go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.

    You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

    We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.

    Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Supportin your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

    When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.

    All the very best.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

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