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Meet others living with Head & Neck Cancer: Introduce yourself
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (557)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I join here for my husband to learn from the group
My husband at 71 was diagnosed with Hpv oropharynx cancer in October 2022, treatment radiation and chemo since surgery is not advisable due to not enough margin. December 2022 finished 6 chemo and 32 out of 35 radiation incomplete due to hospitalization cause by toxicity. He is a petite guy 5’2 now weigh 100lbs.
After 2 years now, he still have bitter sour taste in everything he eat and drink, with cardboard texture. Now he said it’s getting harder to eat because of the taste. He is very picky, no meat (except fish), no veggie, no fruit, no protein drink either.
Consulted with nutritionist, try a lot of option, nothing seems motivate him. He is also on antidepressants medication.
I’m very concern now he is declining eat less and less. Anyone heard any study for this side affects that might get better after 2 years.
Thank you for reading.
EBautista
Replies to "Hi, I join here for my husband to learn from the group My husband at 71..."
Replying to ebautista.
I am 72 years old. Heading into week 7 of external beam radiation and chemotherapy for thyroid cancer that is also on my trachea. I am post complete thyroidectomy.
I have been on a total liquid diet for the last 4 weeks. I use Kate Farms. I buy it online. It tastes good. See if husband will try one each day to supplement his diet.
Take care.
@ebautista2025 , I suffered that as well and depended on a feeding tube for nearly a year. I was unable to swallow food and liquid was difficult as well.
When I made the decision to get the tube removed I was forced to eat or starve. I ate oatmeal for all of my meals for nearly a year. I finally was able to start getting other foods down but they had no flavor. It took nearly another year before I could taste anything. I was prescribed Marinol(not sure of the spelling) to boost my hunger. I had a nutritionist that rode my butt daily about eating and keeping my weight rising. I went from a solid 235 to 140 pounds and she wanted me to reach the 160-170 range. I’m 8 1/2 years out and maintaining 165-170 but eating is still very difficult!
Hope this helps,
MOJO
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Hi @ebautista2025 The taste and eating issues are quite common. My wife, although she still tries, allows my to eat what I enjoy rather than what is likely healthier for me. My loss of saliva has changed what I can eat or am comfortable eating such as some meats, rice, and breads.
I am your husband’s age and was treated over twenty years ago. I could eat pie every day but I try to eat less pleasurable foods for my health. Maybe ask him what he would enjoy eating and provide that for a while.