Loss of Taste - any tips?

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Hi, 

My boyfriend is 26 and is nearing the end of his radiotherapy treatment for lymphoma - targeted at his neck. 

He is experiencing a dry mouth, sore throat all things we’ve seen listed online as the normal symptoms. 

He has also loss taste, food tastes salty, has anyone got any tips that might have helped them with eating and drinking? Any food or drink suggestions?

Would protein milkshakes help to make sure calorie intake is still enough when struggling to eat a meal? 

Any tips would be appreciated! 

  • Takes time for taste to return after chemo/radio, 16 months post treatment now and my taste is about 90%.... PEG tube fed for some time...took about 12 weeks after finishing CRT to actually start on solid food , whole milk, minced beef and mash, alcohol free Guinness helped get the calories in supplemented orally with Ensure 2cal.

    Peter 

  • I found sparkling mineral water good to drink.  I did find one that did not taste of salt and the bubbles helped clear my throat and mouth of mucus.  As to taste and eating the best you can do is experiment.  What may taste and be easy to swallow this week may taste foul and be difficult to swallow the next week. 

    I still have some Fortisips available in case I need to top up the calories at 9 months post treatment, but rarely use them now.  Early on in recovery they were vital to keeping me going. 

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • Thank you Peter! Sparkling water helped Thumbsup

  • I have finished my RT about 6 weeks ago.  My history is in my profile.

    I have used a lot of Manuka honey ( high MGO). whether to add into water or swallow it plain.  If you need more details, let me know.