Bad patch

I'm worrying about everything, which isn't something I used to do. I guess it'll improve after my results because I won't be so much in limbo. I'll take it slowly. Thanks Peter

Thanks all for your support. I spoke to a dietician today who said the same thing as you Peter - I'm still in recovery and just need to get those calories in!! Forget healthy food for now! I'll do my best to follow all advice and stop stressing. You're such a supportive group and it helps so much with my difficult times. You are all very much appreciated xx

Hi Beepa

I was well into my recovery time before I started to think about eating healthy food. Up until then it was definitely eat what I could and it didn't matter about the healthy side of things as long as I got those calories in. I found it hard to put the weight back on as I had lost 10k.g. and was quite anxious about losing more. I got quite anxious whenever I ate worried about whether I was eating enough but at the same time not enjoying the food because of taste changes. I used to try and distract myself while eating by listening to music or watching a TV show and then the eating became easier. Now back to eating healthily and am maintaining a good BMI. It takes time so  be kind to yourself and don't push yourself.

Lyn

Hi Lyn, thanks for the advice. I'm finally seeing that I'm expecting too much too soon. So much going on I can't think straight, but I'm definitely going to try more food, eat whatever appeals to me and not worry about it. 

Hi Beth, Do you have a dietician present when you see your  consultant ? If so ask them if you can have Calshake Powders. They are basically a protein milkshake (just add milk) they are very tasty and come in Vanilla, Strawberry,Chocolate and my favourite, Banana. They helped me when I didnt feel like eating and to be honest they helped with my appetite returning. And now I eat whatever I wish. 

Thank you for the advice! I'm just about to get my new prescription for fortified drinks so I'll ring dietician and ask about those shakes. May I ask for how long after treatment was it before your appetite returned and did you lose much weight? 

Well the 1st time I had throat cancer I couldnt eat at all. So they tried me on Fresubin protein drinks. I couldn't stand them. I then had a P.E.G. fitted and had to take the drinks through that. I had to for my own health. After 2 month of this I'd had enough of it and asked for it to be removed. As soon as it came out I started to eat properly again mainly soft food and always washed down with water when some bits wouldn't go down. Thankfully I beat the cancer. 6 month later it came back . I'm on Immunotherapy which is shrinking the cancer therefore being able to eat. Some food still has to be washed down with water but thats the norm. And if I don't feel like eating then I have a Calshake. I initially lost about 6 stone. I've put a bit back on and am happy with my weight. It's down to you to make sure you're eating. Start off with little bits at a time, snacking through the day and slowly build from there. Stay strong and I wish you well, Please let us know how you're doing.

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad your immunotherapy is shrinking your tumour and I wish you a full recovery. 

I'm feeling more positive today and have eaten more real food than I have in the last couple of weeks. Also I have a veg packed shopping list for tomorrow too! I won't make the 2500 calories today because I get full so quickly, but I'm going in the right direction. I let my anxiety get to me and was imagining malnutrition, cachexia and all sorts!

I have my post treatment scan in a few weeks, so I'll definitely keep everyone updated on that. Thanks again for your help!

Beth, try eating little and often.  It is normally much easier that way, even if you eat a small portion of a meal and leave it for a couple of hours and then reheat in the microwave.  Hopefully that way you will up the calories.