Hello, my husband finished RT and CT 4 weeks ago for tonsil cancer (T4N1). I would say he hit rock bottom in Wk 3 at home. He’s better this week, eating little and often and supplementing with Fortysips. He’s not using his PEG but maintains flushing.
My concern is that he’s not eating enough. He has maybe a couple of yoghurts a day, and a 1-egg omelette with a (very) little grated cheese. I’m glad he’s eating at all to be fair but wanted to know if this is normal or if we should speak with his dietician? TIA, I appreciate this forum very much xx
Hi
Your husband need 3000 Calories to heal properly and it's obvious e s getting nowhere near that.
This soon after treatment end I would consider what he is managing to eat is normal and it's a good start to let him improve at his own pace. He does need to make up the calories via his PEG. Once he does that it will give him more strength to eat properly
Hello Caswoody
My name is Lizzie, and I work here in the Online Community.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis and that you’re worried he isn’t eating enough. I can appreciate how concerning this must be for you. Please know that Macmillan is here to support you both.
I would definitely recommend speaking with your husband’s dietitian and healthcare team, as they’ll be best placed to offer advice and guidance around his nutritional needs and any concerns you may have.
You can also seek advice from one of our nurses through the Ask a Nurse section of the forum. If you have a question you’d like a healthcare professional to answer, simply head to the relevant forum group and start a new thread with your question. A member of the Macmillan team will aim to respond within 1 to 3 working days.
Please remember that alongside accessing support via the Online Community, the Macmillan Support Line teams are also here for you. Sometimes it can help to talk things through with someone who’s there to listen. They’re available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, on freephone 0808 808 00 00, by email, or via live webchat.
I hope this helps, and please remember that we're here for you too. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything else we can help with.
Best wishes,
Lizzie
Macmillan Online Community Team
I would definitely recommend speaking with your husband’s dietitian and healthcare team, as they’ll be best placed to offer advice and guidance around his nutritional needs and any concerns you may have.
Hi Lizzie. What Caswoody has described is normal. After treatment end we are very closely monitored for the first year, her husband will be seen every six weeks to start with, and she is only a call away from her CNS. Our advice so far is solid.
I just thought I'd let you know that he is in good hands already
