Someside effects of chemotherapy, likehair lossand stomach upset, are well-known.
But most people dont realize that taste changes are also a common side effect.
Changes in your taste and smell can make it hard to eat or drink enough.
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Types of Taste Changes During Chemotherapy
Not all people will developtaste changes during chemotherapy.
Certain chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause it than others.
Drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel cause taste changes.
Taste changes can occur a few hours after completing a round of chemotherapy to days afterward.
Timing varies from person to person, and there is no way to predict when it may occur.
Ways to Combat Taste Changes
There are some recommended ways thatchemotherapypatients overcome their taste changes.
It can take weeks or even months for your sense of taste to return to normal function.
Summary
Changes in your sense of taste are common with chemotherapy.
You may find food tasteless, bitter, salty, sweet, or otherwise unpleasant.
You may want to try making some changes to your foods and drinks to see what you could tolerate.
If you have any difficulty maintaining your intake, be sure to reach out to your healthcare team.
Your sense of taste typically returns to normal after treatment is over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer treatments can cause your sense of taste to change.
While you are actively receiving treatment, little can be done to return things to normal.
Once your chemotherapy or radiation is complete, your sense of taste will typically return over time.
The changes that chemotherapy causes to your sense of taste will be different for each person.
Experiment with foods, flavors, temperatures, spices, and sauces to see what tastes good to you.
If nothing tastes good, work with your healthcare team to plan how to meet your nutrition requirements.
Oftentimes, eating small, frequent snacks helps to ensure you are eating as well as you might.
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