Need advice

FormerMember over 4 years ago

3 replies
17 subscribers
2198 views

Hi everyone,

I'm writing here because I need some advice and perhaps a little bit if reassurance. My dad was diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer last year. He has chemo which didn't help so he is on supportive care now. He has however become really poorly about 2 months ago which is why I need someone's advice. He has had a bleed in his stomach 1 month ago which was caused by the cancer blocking one of his blood vessels and getting bigger. He had 1 session of radiotherapy which was meant to stop the bleed. Since then he has had a lot of pain in his stomach and has been experiencing appetite loss.

Can anyone tell me what sort of supplements he could take? He is already taking complan. Has anyone or a relative of anyone experienced similar thing?

I feel so helpless, trying to find a solution to this and also someone that has experience this because I really feel alone in the situation.

Thank you,

Dags

FormerMember over 4 years ago

Hi Dags. Sorry to hear about your Dads problems. I had a total gastrectomy in Aug 15. Although I consider myself fit and well there are times when my weight drops slightly and I need supplements short term. Does your Dad have access to a dietician linked to his hospital team? If not it may be an idea to contact his specialist at the hospital. Failing that his GP would be able to prescribe the supplements. When I have needed them I contact the dietician who then sends a request to my GP who prescribes them for me. Hope this helps.

Take care

Donna x

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi there Donna,

Thank you for your kind reply. We have contacted his GP regarding diatry supplements and managed to get that on prescription. We have asked for a referral to a dietician also. Hopefully they will be able to help my dad get better, really worried for him as he lost 5kg in 2/3 weeks. We just need a bit of clarity on what he should be eating to get the calories up.

Hope you also take care.

Dags x

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Pretty much what Donna said really. I’ve been lucky with my weight loss (I had a total gastrectomy too), and only briefly needed supplements. Problem with them is they generally aren’t very nice. :-( They’re easy to get on prescription thru a dietician or straight from a GP though.

In terms of eating generally try and look at high cal foods if possible I guess. Butter is your friend!

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