My father was treated for sqamous cell carcinoma in the bottom of his mouth and throat. He received 7 weeks of radiation(5 days a week) and 7 weeks of Erbitux (once weekly). My father continued to drink and smoke (although I don't know how he tolerated it) during his treatments, but has since been to rehab and completely quit drinking, although I think he still is sneaking one or two cigarettes a day. It has now been 4 months and he is still not able to eat anything except vanilla milkshakes. I know that the smoking is agitating his condition and don't understand how he can tolerate a cigarette, but can't tolerate the pain that comes with eating bland foods.

He says when he tries to eat, everything tends to burn and irritate his mouth to the point that he is inexruciating pain. We have tried almost everything we can think of to help vary his diet....honey, protein supplements, unsalted broths, ect. but everything continues to burn his mouth. Has anyone else had this type of problem? How long before you were able to eat again? Any suggestions as to what he may be able to tolerate for a meal other than milkshakes? Any comments or answers would be helpful.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hello hrco

You may find these past discussions about burning sensations in the mouth helpful. There is also useful advice in the Recipes and Food Tips forum.

Best wishes
Vinod