How long before my taste buds recover after H&N treatments?
I have completed 35 treatments of radiation and chemotherapy two weeks ago for squamous cell cancer in my tongue and lymph node. I’m just wondering how long before I can expect my taste buds to recover so I can taste good again? I’m currently on a feeding tube, but my throat pain and mucus is diminishing, so I am looking forward to eating solid foods again.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.
PS, And do get your PCP to check out your thyroid! It wasn't until about 14 months after my last radiation that I went for my yearly physical, and my doctor discovered I now have hypothyroidism, which I think was a result of the radiation of my neck. Hypothyroidism, which I still don't really understand, can make you feel tired! She later said it probably would not have shown up immediately.
Spot on @crisatl as radiation is a gift that keeps on giving unfortunately.
I am 16ys out from my tonsil cancer (2008) where I had 35 rounds of radiation which amounted to 70 Gy and 3 rounds of the platinum-based chemo Cisplatin. I had other issues come up along the way. So be very aware of what is going on inside your mouth and throat. To name a few off the top of my head, it destroyed my thyroid giving me Hypothyroidism (makes you feel fatigued and most of the time you gain weight too) so now I have to take a pill for it for the rest of my life. Watch your bone structure and tooth decay in that region too- so make sure you go to your dentist every six months. Paralyzed one of my vocal cords so my voice is not as loud as it once was. And most recently likely was my cause of getting tongue cancer this year.
I also attached a couple articles around the long-term side effects for head & neck survivors.
Best Rob
Long Term Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Head & Neck Cancer Survivors_04-24 article (Long-Term-Side-Effects-of-Radiation-Therapy-for-Head-Neck-Cancer-Survivors_04-24-article.pdf)
Low-Dose Radiation To Treat HPV Throat Cancer a 'Game Change' 02-12-24 (Low-Dose-Radiation-To-Treat-HPV-Throat-Cancer-a-Game-Change-02-12-24-2.pdf)
Hi Rob, Thanks for giving me a hardy LOL about radiation being the gift
that keeps on giving! Tks also for the things to look out for long term!
They had told me at the beginning the treatment could give me cancer, but
being 73 at the time, I figured I would gone by that time. They have much
better treatments now than 16 years ago, so I hope this time is not too
difficult for you. Your sharing made me think that I should watch my diet.
I haven't done that.
May I suggest you do some research on Ivermectin and Cancer. It might be
worth a try.
🙏🙏 for you Rob!