Diet advice and appetite

Dear Longboat,

Thank you for contacting Macmillan and welcome to our online community. My name is Denise, and I am one of the Macmillan Cancer Information Nurses on the helpline.

I am sorry to read your Mum was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and had to be admitted to the hospital with infection and pulmonary embolism. This must be a very difficult time for you all, but I am glad to read she is now home.

I understand your main concern is your Mum’s loss of appetite and general struggle with food. Indeed, it is a good idea to ask if she can be referred to a dietitian for further advice. If she has a Breast Cancer Nurse (CNS) you can ask the nurse if she can see an oncology dietitian. It is unclear from your message if she is still under oncology or if she was discharged. If no longer seen by oncology, you can ask her GP.

Usually, to eat as “little as often” approach is suggested if someone is struggling to eat and if possible, to switch to high calorie foods. For example, if your Mum drinks tea or coffee with milk to switch to full fat milk. If you wish you can explore our The building -up diet online booklet by clicking here. I hope you find this resource helpful.

You can also access the World Cancer Research Fund’s (WCRF) Eat Well During Cancer guide by clicking here. You can contact the WCFR dietitians directly by clicking here.

There are medicines too which can help but the use of these will need to be discussed with your Mum’s GP or consultant. You can read more about medicines and diet problems by clicking here.

You mentioned she is not keen on shakes like Huel. Fortunately, there are different ones she can try. Please find list of high calorie drinks available by clicking here.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please do get in touch with us if you have more questions. You can call us free of charge on 0808 808 0000 or you can chat to us or email us. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

Best wishes,

Denise

Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: DK/AP

Dear Denise,

many thanks for the reply and helpful advice and links. Yes, my mother is under the care of oncology, and also the local hospice community service, so we are receiving advice and support from them as well.