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When will food taste good again after chemo and radiation?

Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: 19 hours ago | Replies (49)
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@claired

I have just begun chemotherapy (2 of 6 3-week cycles under my belt) and food is unappetizing as all has a metallic taste and aftertaste. My cancer is stage 3 ‘primary peritoneal carcinoma’ and I will have ‘debulking’ surgery after my 3rd or 6th chemo cycle. I am a ‘bit’ stressed to hear that the taste issue can get worse and can be lasting. I’m receiving IV Carboplatin, Taxotere, and Avastin as the chemo drugs. Also IV Zofram, prednisone and benedryl.
I’ve had taste issues previously in the past when taking prednisone orally so I had thought the current issue may have been caused by that. I’m trying to drink loads of water (also distasteful so I squeeze lots of fresh lemon juice into it) as I thought it might dilute the taste in my mouth. I’d be very interested in how others are dealing with this issue/side-effect.

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Replies to "I have just begun chemotherapy (2 of 6 3-week cycles under my belt) and food is..."
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | 6 days ago

During chemo, it is not uncommon to have all kinds of strange things happen to sense of taste and sense of smell.
I had a total change in taste during my treatments, but it did return in time after. Things I hated, I loved, and the opposite was true as well. I also found I liked fresh fruits and veggies more, and not much else.
The strangest thing was, I could not taste chocolate at all, it was like eating air. The metallic taste is very common. I ate with plastic silverware, it might have helped a little.
Remember, getting through this time is hard, but it will be worth it. You got this.
Are you finding changes already in smell as well?

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 6 days ago

@claired Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wager there are several ways we members experience chemo for different cancers. A lot may have to do with other meds, other existing conditions, what diet we are on.

I am very sensitive to salty food, or spicy dishes. Finally, I just accepted my changing tastebuds, and strive to get healthy food into me. Raw carrots taste sweet, apples not so much. Red meat= no taste.

"Never Give Up!"
Ginger

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