1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Taste Buds Not Quite Right

Posted by sapphire1158 @sapphire1158, Dec 21, 2023

I had a radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection in April due to a tumor on my tonsil from HPV. I did not have radiation. That being said-is it “normal “ for food and drinks to not taste quite right after this long. Also, I have a slightly funny taste in my mouth.
I am having the NAVars blood test every 3 months to make sure no reoccurrence.
Thanks for any response

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

jersey3422 | @jersey3422 | Dec 22, 2023

I had radiation and chemo. I didn’t have surgery, but I’m having a terrible time with the texture of foods. And yes some things I can’t eat at all. I can’t stand mashed potatoes! Who doesn’t like them???? Perseverance is key. Eventually it gets better.

REPLY
1 reply
sapphire1158 | @sapphire1158 | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @jersey3422 "I had radiation and chemo. I didn’t have surgery, but I’m having a terrible time with..." + (show)
@jersey3422

I had radiation and chemo. I didn’t have surgery, but I’m having a terrible time with the texture of foods. And yes some things I can’t eat at all. I can’t stand mashed potatoes! Who doesn’t like them???? Perseverance is key. Eventually it gets better.

Jump to this post

Thanks for reply!!

REPLY
Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Dec 22, 2023

Hi @sapphire1158 I would think things still taste a bit different even after eight months. Possible you were used to the taste of foods with the cancer and now that the cancer has been eliminated, the real taste of foods has become apparent for the first time in years. It's just a theory of mine. I actually enjoy foods I never cared for pre-cancer whilst others are no longer in my favourite file. The "funny" taste in your mouth may be just due to healing from the surgery. You didn't mention it and I don't recall previous but did you have Chemo?

REPLY
1 reply
sapphire1158 | @sapphire1158 | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @hrhwilliam "Hi @sapphire1158 I would think things still taste a bit different even after eight months. Possible..." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

Hi @sapphire1158 I would think things still taste a bit different even after eight months. Possible you were used to the taste of foods with the cancer and now that the cancer has been eliminated, the real taste of foods has become apparent for the first time in years. It's just a theory of mine. I actually enjoy foods I never cared for pre-cancer whilst others are no longer in my favourite file. The "funny" taste in your mouth may be just due to healing from the surgery. You didn't mention it and I don't recall previous but did you have Chemo?

Jump to this post

I did not have chemo or radiation just radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection. I emailed on the portal my mayo drs. I have an appointment in January so I will be sure to tell them again- it’s just always in the back of your mind - something’s wrong if you feel anything in the area of the surgery! Thank you for your response !

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @sapphire1158 "I did not have chemo or radiation just radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection. I emailed on..." + (show)
@sapphire1158

I did not have chemo or radiation just radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection. I emailed on the portal my mayo drs. I have an appointment in January so I will be sure to tell them again- it’s just always in the back of your mind - something’s wrong if you feel anything in the area of the surgery! Thank you for your response !

Jump to this post

I understand your concern and it is perfectly valid. Lord knows not one of us every felt like all is well after going through cancer treatments. It's been twenty-two years for me. I will let you know when that feeling goes away. But please don't hesitate to mention your feelings during follow-up appointments. One never knows if all those little cancer buggers are gone for good. Hugs to you.

REPLY
1 reply
sapphire1158 | @sapphire1158 | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @hrhwilliam "I understand your concern and it is perfectly valid. Lord knows not one of us every..." + (show)
@hrhwilliam

I understand your concern and it is perfectly valid. Lord knows not one of us every felt like all is well after going through cancer treatments. It's been twenty-two years for me. I will let you know when that feeling goes away. But please don't hesitate to mention your feelings during follow-up appointments. One never knows if all those little cancer buggers are gone for good. Hugs to you.

Jump to this post

Thank you!!!!!

REPLY
jonesja | @jonesja | Dec 27, 2023

I had radical TORS surgery on base of tongue tumor and neck dissection in April 2023 due to HPV 16. 30 rounds of radiation . No Chemo. As of today nothing tastes as it did but I can taste about 50% and improving weekly little by little. Most of my favorite foods don't quite taste the same. However my last CT scans were good and my last two NavDx blood tests were 0 and that is what really matters at this point. As I understand , It can take a year to get most of your taste back. I thank God daily for walking with me through this journey.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.