Eating after treatment

Such a tough time Robin, feel for you both. My "breakthough" was crumpets around 10/12 weeks post treatment though I actually was OK drinking all the way through. It takes time but he'll get there, small steps maybe but just try a little every day.

Have to admit I now (seven years later) still have a serious crumpet addiction!

Hi Robin my breakthrough was week 3 recovery ehrn I could swallow the ensure drinks . They weren’t pleasant I treated them like a bush river trial took 15 min to stand at sink drinking one looking out of window snd crying. I then progressed as Mike said crumpets clots and lots of butter cut in quarters snd nibbled to crust. Followed by cheapwhite bread (easier then than home made bread ) with a poached egg on. I ate off small tea plates. Easier than big dinner plates is a good tip. I aimed for  6 ensures or fortisips orally then that left me free to experiment with food. Week 12 ish was a breakthrough moment salmon baked in oven. Think nursery food for now jelly’s trifles ice cream. Normal eating resumes just  takes time. In the meanwhile get him sipping  water and trying the high cal food drinks see dietician s. You can try complain though not as high s calories content. It becomes all about calories for a good year. 
Hazel 

Hi Robin. It’s a slow plod but he will get there. Can I just say that hard as it is not  to set unreachable early goals it’s not a race. He mustn’t be discouraged by the better progress of others. I was eating fairly well by 12 weeks. We are all different. 
Maybe gave a rest from oral intake for two or three days then try again. Sometimes it’s two forward and one back 

Thank you for the advice I will pass on. Hopefully he will realise there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is horrible to see him so down hearted.

Hi Robin

It was a fairly slow process for me, i ate my first soft solids about 8 weeks post treatment. 

I think it was faggots - i managed half a faggot but it took me ages.

I totally relate to being down- i can remember being too much in pain to swallow my pain relief, that was the lowest i have ever been in my life.

But it will improve slowly, about 3 months post treatment (christmas) i managed a very small christmas dinner, albeit with a tonne of water.

Roll forward to now (16 months on) and i can eat just about anything.

Hope your husband continues to improve

There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. Even if it doesnt feell that way right now.

Hi,

I remember how he feels. Starting to eat again was the most nauseous time for me. I went down the weetabix route. I still had a mouthful of ulcers, which meant soup wasn't my best option. My nurse suggested creme caramel as they were soft, but a little more solid to not swish round my mouth. 

It will get better, finished treatment in April and managed cheese and crackers this Christmas, never thought I'd do that again at one point.  

Gill

Hi robin. I sm 14 weeks post RT.  My appetite is not really there and I have had some nausea.  I have got on well with weetabix/porridge with cream and mashed banana.  I make a smoothie every day with avocado, banana, protein powder, some blueberries and milk and silken tofu.  The last 2 weeks I have managed soft omelettes and soft veg and bits of fish.  Only tiny portions.  I love Gu chocolate mousse pots with cream.  Good for calories!  Yum. 
lizzie123

Hi Robin

I had no rig and went through the RT and chemo treatment cold turkey fighting with myself I had to learn swallowing again after surgery so wanted to keep on eating by all means The first month after therapy felt worse than during it But then it just starts to change First you manage to swallow something mashed in addition to liquids Then you approach solids Four months later you feel the urge to try pepper (too early) At six months I managed a pint That changed the whole perspective  In one year it is getting very close to what it was before Some things still taste strange, others taste too strong, but you adapt At two years I was eating crusty bread and steak with my favourite red

Patience is key his body is able to work miracles 

RS   

It's important not to get too obsessed about when you can eat.  It's very different for everybody.  I'm 18 months post treatment and still find there are many things that I can't eat.  I became very low until I accepted the situation and adjusted to it.  It's too stressful when you put so much pressure on yourself.  I still can't eat any kind of bread or meat.  My taste buds haven't returned properly and I have a constant bitter and metallic taste and have lost all sense of sweetness.  I focus now on what I can eat.  Vegetables tend to be easier than protein.  Pasta is good as well.  Many people make a quicker recovery but I think it's important to know that it can take time so you don't have unrealistic expectations.  I worried so much when other people seemed to be eating weeks after treatment and I didn't manage anything resembling a meal until a year later. My consultant still says changes can continue for two years or more. Good luck.

VALLEYJ said:

My consultant still says changes can continue for two years or more.

Longer even. At three years things still change 

it’s a good point though VALLEY. It’s not a race