Protein drinks

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Hello, My partner is now 8 weeks post RT for tonsil/tongue Cancer. He is trying to up his food intake and is doing reasonably well with eating. Some foods are easier than others and he needs to have water to help get the food down. His throat is still sore at times and his tongue is still a little swollen which causes his speech to be a bit slurred. The dietician wants him to start weaning off using his RIG. He is still having 2 protein drinks a day to up his calories as he's lost alot of weight and his food portions are still pretty small in comparison to what he ate previously.  He is having 2  Frusibin and Fortisips orally daily but he really hates them as they taste not nice, chocolate one is better, however, he finds he feels quite sick afterwards as they are quite rich. Can anyone recommend an alternative that he could try? Even when he put them through his RIG he found he felt sick afterwards.  Many thanks in advance for all your advice. 

  • hi I am 12 weeks post RT and still rely on my RIG. I can’t drink the liquid provided to me so I buy ensure plus from Amazon the vanilla flavour is nice and doesn’t repeat which I can take orally. I am still on easy food like custard, mash, gravy but struggle with proper meals.

    Sue x

  • Hi other half my hubby lost hes appetite and 18 months later thats still not improved. He lived on Frubsin and mixed this with full fat milk and nesquick and was getting hes calories like this. He had a peg tube but never used it and was frubsins and chocolate custard pots for a year. He had the mucus issues but now he has problems with salvation and says hes mouth is constantly running so makes him dribble at times. This us hes biggest issue . Wishing you all the best xxx

  • It’s awful not being able to eat out with friends, I really hate it. As for the dribbling my lips and area are constantly sore where I dribble also where my face and neck are swollen - not a good look! 

  • To add to the advice on drinks some practical things that help me eat. 

    Instead of water try warm milky tea or coffee as a saliva substitute.  I find that works much better (as does pale ale!!). 

    The mantra for eating is little and often.  Small portions and don't be afraid to put those aside and come back to them in an hour or so.  The microwave is your friend!  My go to calorie uppers are cream and jam donuts and chocolate eclairs.  Easy to eat and full of calories.  Don't worry about the "healthy" aspect at this stage; there are more important things to worry about!

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • Hi Sue , thats not good and hoping everything gets better for you. Are you still under Southend ? 

  •  Hi other half I was given pro source they were relatively easy to swallow and only 30mlpouches but were 15g of protein in them . Came in 3 flavours hope they can helpSmiley

  • Hello other half,it can be difficult finding everyday foods .Do try tinned steak ,steak and  kidney etc.The meat is very digestible as its extremely soft.Also fish cooked in butter .Stock cubes as a drink are very palatable .Home made soups with cream added are good too.In fact I try and add cream to as many foods as possible,even adding it to yogurts.Its hard when you have little or no appetite so very small meals help by not putting you off immediately.Also eating small but more frequently.I found and find all the feeds too rich and even now will occasionally bring them up.I am 4 maths post radiotherapy.My appetite and ability to eat are improving.I still do the exercises to strengthen swallowing.Drinking very important especially when eating.Good Luck and happy a  Christmas to you both and a good 2025.

  • Thanks Bridget, no, Southend was just for RT I’m back now with Broomfield 

  • My Paul had hes surgery in Broomfield and a much better team there i think. He has nurses from Basildon as thats where were from but i dont find them at all helpful and when he has questions i just come on here. Hope things get better soon for you and Merry Christmas Sue xx

  • Yes I agree that Broomfield is miles better than Basildon and the RT staff in Southend were also lovely. Our paths may have crossed whilst waiting for treatment! It’s always good to know that you’re not alone on this rough journey and this forum is a great for any tips on an easier life.Happy Christmas to you both and hears to a healthier 2025! Xx