Gallbladder cancer

Dear lolly1111 

Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and the Online Community. My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear of your grandmothers recent diagnosis of Gallbladder cancer. It can be worrying when a loved one has a loss of appetite and weight loss. Unfortunately, weight loss can be a common occurrence with a cancer diagnosis.

It is important that an assessment of your grandmothers’ nutritional needs is completed by her healthcare team or GP. This will ensure that all symptoms which might impact on her nutritional intake are treated. For example, pain control or if she is struggling with nausea, anti-sickness medication can be prescribed to try and help manage this. Following an assessment, nutritional supplements or a dietitian referral may be suggested.

In the meantime, having small, high calorie snacks little and often will help your grandmother in getting the energy she needs. This building-up diet information may be helpful.

Supporting someone with cancer can be rewarding, but it can be tough at times too. So, it’s equally important that you look after yourself and get support too.

There is further information and support available through our online community especially the family and friends groups.

I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

Best wishes 

Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref PW/GG