Taste Changes

gp1909 6 days ago

2 replies
8 subscribers
45 views

Hi everyone,

For context, I am on session 23 out of 30 to treat my reoccurring G4 salivary gland cancer, I was diagnosed last year at 24. I have had two surgeries in the last 9 months and have had all of my right parotid gland removed, as well as my level 1 (I think) lymph nodes.

I am coping with most of the side effects but the thing I am struggling so much with, is the horrible bitter taste I have constantly. It never leaves my mouth, nearly everything tastes disgusting (even water) and as a foodie I am struggling with this so much.

I just wondered what other people’s experience of this has been, how long it has taken to return (if it has at all) and what foods they found best. I just want to enjoy something, I know I am being very dramatic but it is so depressing. Think this has been the worst bit of it all!

Thanks

Hazel7797 6 days ago

I too was a real foodie, and I understand how depressed you feel. Everything tasted like 'dirt' to me (we all experience things differently of course). I am now 16 months post treatment and I do have some taste back, but I no longer get the same joy as I used to from food. Things taste almost the same, but it's a very muted tadte to me. But I am hoping that given enough time, my taste will return to normal. This has been the worst thing for me to accept too. So, no, you are not being dramatic at all.

Big virtual hugs to you. From a fellow foodie. Take care.

Hazel x

gp1909 5 days ago in reply to Hazel7797

Hi Hazel,

Thank you so much for responding to me. I have read your story on your profile and it sounds really traumatic. I hope this comes across in the right way but I feel like the fact you are slowly getting there, and you had a much worse time then I did, is giving me hope that it might not be as bad as I imagine (thoughts of never being able to taste food and have a horrid bitter taste in mouth for the rest of my life, at age 25!).

I hope you make a full (taste) recovery and that you never have to experience something like this again.

Best wishes,

Jack

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