How long before my taste buds recover after H&N treatments?

Posted by calenbd @calenbd, Sep 27, 2022

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.

thomason | @thomason | Sep 27, 2022

In reply to @colleenyoung "@calenbd, I suspect the answer as to how long before your taste buds recover after chemo..." + (show)

calenbd,
After 35 radiation sessions, I lost my voice for over one year. I was on a feeding tube for several months and completed two swallow studies. My feeding tube fell out right when I was starting to eat again. The food did not taste the same for many months but started tasting good again...slowly. I thank God every day I can eat and drink. Red light therapy is one technique I utilized at home. It is just an inexpensive wand that I aimed at the back of my throat every single day of radiation treatment, and thereafter. It takes time, so just have patience. By the way, the therapist did not believe it when I refused to have the tube put back in. If you do not "use it, you will lose it." It may not work for everyone, but don't always listen to everything your told. Best wishes to you.

calenbd | @calenbd | Sep 27, 2022

Thanks for the reply. I think removal of the feeding tube will happen when I can bring myself to eat solid food again. Right now the taste is so terrible that I can’t bring myself to eat yet. I can swallow liquids now, but the taste of regular food makes me sick to my stomach.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 27, 2022

@calenbd, I suspect the answer as to how long before your taste buds recover after chemo and radiation is different for everyone. Let me bring @alpaca @wretired2000 @loli @nbkod7b @thomason @fwpoole @cooper12345 @rwdow @leelee70 @hrhwilliam and others into this conversation to share their experiences, timeline and tips.

In the meantime, here's a related discussion:
- When will food taste good again after chemo and radiation? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trying-to-get-food-into-husband-after-chemo-and-radiation/

I bet you're looking forward to the feeding tube removal. Do you have a target date for that yet?