Radiotherapy. Have 12 sessions to go out of 35.

Hi Tomatoes. 

I had an NG tube and used it until 6 weeks after treatment by which time I could eat soft foods and drink my fortisips.

I think the general rule is that they take your stomach tube out if you are maintaining your weight without using it from your last check up. So it is largely up to you. Food is tasteless at first but we have to make an effort to eat even if it tastes of nothing or awful. Food is fuel was my mantra for a good couple of months.

By 12 weeks taste was coming back but it was a good year till I was happy with it. Now 4 years on I can eat and taste anything apart from a hot curry.

I found that when my taste was returning if I blew the air back up through my nose while I was chewing I got a better experience, and adding g herbs to dishes gave them. ore interest.

You could try that. Another thing that is common is getting a really good sense of taste with the first two or three mouthfuls for then it all crash down again. Don't be discouraged. Things get slowly better

It's simply a case of plodding on

Hi, Tomatoes, I was 100% reliant on my RIG from week 3, for about 10 weeks. You can use your RIG for as long as you need it. Don't worry your taste will come back and you will be able to eat again normally, it's hard to believe that now, but you will. My mouth was just how you have said yours is, this will start to improve when you start your recovery. It all takes time, take one day at a time, you will get there. Tell your team about any side-effects you are having; they will give you something for them. Hang in there, you are nearly there now. All the best.

 Regards Ray.

Hi Tomatoes  I also had 35 sessions of RT and had NG tube fitted near the end and had it for 4 weeks. I had no taste, no saliva, no appetite and lived on tomato soup, custard and fortisip for weeks. Taste started to return after 6 to 7 months and was good after 11 months. Now 15 months post treatment most things taste good again Sweet and spicy things would now top the list. It's a hard road but it will get easier, though it's hard to see it now 

all the best for the last 12 !!

Ivan

Hello Tomatoes, I had an NG tube for a month or so at end of treatment.  Less than six months after treatment, my sense of taste is almost back to normal. Acidic and spicy things still sting my throat a bit - including alcohol - but all pretty good really. I hope that helps.

Try not to worry, it doesn't do any good, just take it one day at a time and you'll get through it. Good luck!

Good evening Tomatoes, try not to worry as your taste will slowly come back once everything has settled down, this also goes for the PEG feeding tube it just depends on how quickly you will recover. Please do not be tempted to come off the PEG too early use it to its full advantage. I never looked in my mouth i just concentrated on recovery and getting back to a normal life. You will get there slowly but surely, all the best, take care.

                                                                          Chris x