Loss of appetite

Hi Trazel, I just saw your post and want send at least kind thoughts of you both. I have no knowledge of radiotherapy as my husband has not had it. However I'm sure you'll get some answers from those who have. Don't forget the MacMillan helpline opens at 8 am. they should be able to offer some advice I hope.

And why not call whichever hospital is doing the radiotherapy, as they ought to take responsibility for side effects. Eg he may need any anti nausea tablets adjusted or something. They should also address pain relief.

You should know that 7% of the population have a liver enzyme difference [it's called CYP2D6] which means much pain relief and many other meds do not work as intended. This is due to the body being unable to process [metabolise] them properly if at all. So if he's ever had eg still being able to feel work at the dentist despite injections, he might be in the 7%. Just a thought, somebody's got to be. My husband is one, and it's very difficult to convince the majority of medics who have not been trained about this, to believe that eg paracetamol has ZERO effect for him.

Don't forget that as his carer [whether he would like to see things this way or not] you are entitled to support from your local Carers' Association. You will be better able to deal with all the stress and be a good support for him if you have support yourself. Do give them a call and see what is on offer in your area.

Best wishes, 

Denby

Hi Trazel . I had 6 weeks of RT for muscle invasive and besides some tiredness towards the end, I did not have any problems like your partner. 3 treatments would not usually cause too many side effects. I met several people going through the same and no one was feeling any effects early on. Not eating could be a cause of the giddiness. It is usual to have meeting with a doctor once a week during treatment to see how things are going. This is the opportunity to discuss any concerns. Best wishes.

Hi Trazel,I feel for your partner,he must be feeling rotten.I lost my appetite and found snacks much easier to manage.There might be something to kick start his appetite.I ate savoury biscuits with cheese,soup and little sandwiches,yoghurts,mashed banana was another thing that helped.My late mum used to have scrambled or boiled eggs when she couldn’t eat much.It is hard when you are in pain It does take away the appetite when it’s constant as it’s so draining.What kind of pain relief is your partner on ? Best wishes Jane 

Hi Tarzel. How's your partner doing? We are all different.  I also lost the appetite and interests... more than that: I remember eating pasta with pesto (one of my preferred) and not tasting anything. Plastic. Or rubber... I had a very hard time chewing and swallowing.  I only forced myself because I did not want to worry Monica. But it was hard. In my case it was certainly psychological. I hope your partner is the same. I hope better times will come and he will enjoy eating again. Try finding something he really likes... for me it was actually sweets.i have eaten a lot of bread slices, buttered  with marmalade... Good luck to both of you!