Bitter taste

It’s a difficult one Ally because things will now change daily. Not being able to swallow isn’t the only reason to use your PEG. 

Hi Dani

I didn’t have a PEG fitted for various reasons and opted for NG tube if necessary. The oncologist seems to think I’ll be able to get through treatment without and as determined as I am, I’m taking it day by day. 

You’re right, something that tasted ok yesterday tastes revolting today. So difficult as the dexamethasone I take after chemo makes me ravenous. I’ll be topping up later with the delightful Fresubin supplements I’ve been given a supply of. 

Ally x

Then it’s a case of just chucking anything down and ignoring the taste. It’s awful. Before I tube fed I was trying to swallow vanilla Fortisips. I must say the first one I tried came up in five seconds. 
Just do the best you can. Maybe try cold stuff like ice cream? You can’t taste cold food as well as hot food. 
What I’m trying to say is that shouldn’t expect food to taste any better till you’ve recovered. They do say that using plastic cutlery helps the metallic taste you get with Cisplatin. 

Thanks Dani

I’ll give the plastic cutlery a go. Just got a fresubin down, which oddly doesn’t taste bitter, just revolting  

Ally

To be honest it will get worse before it gets better - but it will gradually get better once you've finished treatment. Bland creamy foods work best - porridge worked well for me but then I'm a Scot. I got through my 6 weeks of treatment but then had to give in & have an NG tube for a month or so, it did make life so much easier. Good luck!

Catriona