@luckyhunterjs, I have no answers for you, but I want you to know my heart goes out to you. So hard to understand some of what happens in our lives. Best of luck to you. Stay strong.

Hi @luckyhunterjs, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It can be a challenge to not have a local support group to meet with other people going through similar things. That's why I'm especially glad that you found Connect and this welcoming online support group.

John, you'll notice that I removed your personal phone number from your message. Connect is a public forum. So we recommend that you don't share your personal contact information or use the private message function to share it securely. But I'd like to point out the benefits of sharing here in the group. By posting here like you did, you have the advantage of getting responses from different people and perspectives.

I'd also like to invite you to follow the Head & Neck Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/
I think you'll find others going through similar experiences.

What type of cancer did you have? How long will you have the feeding tube?

John, my husband also went through head and neck cancer, losing an eye, etc., a few years ago and is still on a feeding tube. He also cannot taste anything except salt and sugar. Has anyone ever told you why the sense of taste is gone and if it can return? He has no sense of smell because of prior sinus surgery.

Hi John, I am a speech therapist in Israel. Just wanted to suggest that, if you haven't already done so, you search for speech therapists in your area who have experience in head and neck cancer. I have some experience, and have done home visits with people in your situation. Haven't always been able to help too much, but the clients seem to appreciate a good listening ear. Maybe a support group for sufferers of chronic illness, in general, would be of help? Wishing you only well.