Hello there, I’m new to the forum, glad to find this community.
My Dad has melanoma, which recently spread to the lungs. My immediate concern is that he has severe diarrhoea, (possibly a side effect of immunotherapy - nivolumab, ipilimumab, and/or antibiotics).
I’ve come to look after him, and am worried and shocked to see how much weight he’s lost (2 stone in a few days). He seems able to keep down some fluid. Though is still sometimes vomiting and frequently having to use the toilet. My concern is how best to help rehydrate him and hopefully get some nutrition back into his body?
Currrently using electrolytes in water. Some alpro smoothie with protein (small sips). Also trying to find out if probiotics ie “friendly bacteria” to help replenish gut flora is ok/recommended? I am worried about how rapidly he has been losing weight and how long this can go on for? He is very frail. I have phoned his care line, but not been able to ascertain practical advice on what are the best things to try to get into his body for managing it/healing. He is only having small sips, every little bit feels important and want try to make sure we are getting the right things in to him and making it count. The diarrhoea has been going on for weeks but recently escalated. With many thanks for any advice or signposting where I should go to ask, thank you.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your dad’s diagnosis and ongoing challenges.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a stressful and demanding time. I will say that his clinical team should be the main people who understand your dad’s specific circumstances and best to advise you so do keep talking with them especially if he has a Clinical Nurse Specialist (SCN) assigned to him.
But talking with others who are dealing with the same challenges will also help you a lot so I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get that support and to be able to ask your questions.
The Community is actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Melanoma and Lung, secondary cancer support groups.
These groups are safe place ms to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis and treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) links I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Family and friends and Carers only support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
Thank you for your response, very helpful & much appreciated 
