Complete loss of appetite post treatment

Hi

I'm sorry to see that no one from this group has been able to share any experiences with you, especially as I recommended that you joined this group. It could just be that the person with the right experience hasn't seen your post yet so by replying to you it will 'bump' your post back to the top of the page where it'll be seen again.

While you're waiting to see if you get any replies you could post your question in ask a dietitian and Macmillan's volunteer dietitian, Alice, will aim to respond within 3 working days.

I have also found this booklet about eating problems and cancer that you could download from the link I've provided and also this information on eating problems which you might like to take a look at.

Wishing you and your dad all the best.

x

Hi, thank you so much for your reply - you've been incredibly helpful.  I have downloaded the booklet so will give that a read and will message the dietician.  My dad had a CT scan on Friday so hopefully we'll get some answers soon.

Hi acp64,

I was diagnosed and treated for oesophogeal cancer last year. I had chemo (FLOT) --> surgery --> chemo (FLOT). I'm now in remission. 

During my treatment I lost 3 stone. I was regularly seen by dietitians during (and after) treatment and their advice and support for me was invaluable. I lost my appetite and was anxious about eating especially after surgery due to the pain it caused me. I was pretty much never hungry during treatment and everything tasted horrid including water. However I was taught to eat by the clock (i.e. at set times) and eat what I wanted which I did. I found meat and fish made me sick so I went vegetarian during my treatment which stopped me being sick (although I often felt sick). 

I'm lucky being a naturally greedy person and have put on 1.5 stone this year. 

Is your dad going to have surgery and post op chemo?

Things do get better but it takes time and you need to eat to help your body recover even though you don't want to eat and it can make you sick. Your dad just has to persevere. I did continue to loose weight after my final chemo treatment for 2-3 months, but then my body began to recover from chemo and I now have to watch what I eat. 

Hope this helps?