Worried my dad isnt eating enougth

Less than one minute read time.

My dad has throat and lung cancer has started his chemo ,constantly spitting up saliva and having trouble eating pretty much anything hes been given these milkshake drinks but he even finds them to thick to drink even waterd down .He can still put up a good argument and when i mention he might need stay in hospital if he dosent start eating more he just dosent want to know ,i know its hard for him to eat but if he cant i think the hospital is the best place even if its just for a week so they can put him on a drip or i heard about a feeding tube they can place up the nose but like i said hes just no intrest at all so if anyone has any tips on things he might find easier to swallow or no anything that can be done while hes still at home i would be greatfull ,i will talk to the nurse when she calls round but where still waiting .

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Andy, I found the same problem with my dad.  His appetite went completely and he lost an awful lot of weight.  The shakes he managed to take, but didn't enjoy them.  The solution came when he was put on steroids.  His appetite returned with a vengeance and he put on half a stone in a month,

    When his appetite returned we were advised to add cream and butter and high calorie supplements to his food.  It would be worthwhile asking about appetite stimulants, usually steroids.  

    I hope you manage to find something suitable as it is terrible watching your loved one like this and certainly not nice for them.

    Best wishes, Christine xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    thanks  will ask about them ,but at minute hes just finding it hard to swallow anything hopefully things will improve and if he has no appetite i can ask about the steroids thanks again

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi, Mum has different cancer but same kind of appetite and swallowing issues - we found the 'thin' cup-a-soups - minestrone/clear veg etc with some bread soaked in it (soda bread works well if broken up really small) also: scrambled egg, mashed potato with lots of butter :) ciabatta bread as it's more moist,  then jelly, creme-caramels, fatty yoghurts, mousse etc.

    We saw the dietician at the hospital for advice and basically, the more fattening the better and if you can 'get it in and keep it down' then keep at it - little and often works better...

    I sympathise with you both completely, it is awful to try to help someone eat who just can't digest it - and awful for him trying to do such a normal routine task and not being able to.  

    Keep the fluids high too - lots of water - or for some reason mum finds ribena good as it actually has a 'taste' for her.

    Best of luck, do ask at the hospital too as he really needs his nourishment.

    ------ Don't forget to look after you too!! You will get very tired and anxious, make sure you have some help xxx