Stomach removed and problems with eating

Hi Peony15 

Sorry to read about what you are going through, no specific advice since my wife's cancer is very different though she did go through a period of not eating even before her cancer was diagnosed, she seemed to live mostly on sucking ice cubes.

I wonder if there is anyone your dad could speak to apart from the consultant, his nurse might be able to make a suggestion.

<<hugs>>

Steve

Hi he did speak to a councillor but I don’t think he really told her the truth and she thought he was more depressed which he is but that’s not the only thing so I’m going to pay private for him to see one I think as the wait for nhs is just too long sadly x hope your wife is ok xx

Hi,  has anyone suggested psychological intervention, sounds like he is very frightened about what might happen if he does eat, it might help, you could call the Mackmillan support line and ask if they can offer any advice or support, sending hugs x

Hi he did have some but it didn’t really help he’s very stubborn and was before he wax poorly but I am going to try again.  We did contact MacMillan and we tried through maggies but received no support or help from either I’m afraid so never bothered again sadly 

I would ask the GP to refer to mental health services for a psychiatric assessment, tell the GP that he can’t get over the trauma , the problem with GP counselling is that it is CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and therefore mainly limited to 8 sessions, unfortunately this doesn’t work for everyone as something deep rooted and traumatic takes a lot more time, I hope he gets some support soon x

Hi the counselling he had from from a psychologist at the hospital referred by his consultant she didn’t do CBT but talked to him and set him small tasks and never completed a single one he saw her for months so I’m honestly lost at what to do and where to go.  He is terrified of dumping even though he has never had it but it’s almost like an addict he blames everything and everyone and just fibs it’s so difficult and I lost my mam in February so it’s even harder but I truly believe he has a full blown eating disorder as they have checked him so many times there is nothing mechanically wrong the surgery and chemo were a complete success but for us this has been worse than the cancer and surgery by far.  I will keep trying though but it’s very difficult daily to be honest x

I’m sorry to hear your reply and to hear about your mum too, it must be very difficult for you to cope with.
It does sound like an eating disorder, unfortunately it is down to him and his mindset.

I’m not sure what else you can do other than encourage him to eat, even a teaspoon of natural Greek yogurt would be a start, giving lots of praise for even this may encourage him to try other soft food. 

I had my operation at the end of April this year and I’m eating quite normally although smaller portions. I started with extremely small amounts and I haven’t had dumping syndrome. He needs to know that dumping syndrome doesn’t always happen to everyone. He needs to accept this as a fact in order to move forward.

 I wish you all the best xx

I am so sorry to hear about your father’s suffering, it must be very difficult for all knowing what the consequences of removing the feeding tube are. May I ask what type of stomach cancer your father had? 
i don’t have any specific advice apart from reassurance, being patient and showing love, it is easier said than done especially when you are under so much stress. 

Thank you and I’m so glad your eating quite normal and I hope you continue to get better xx

Hi I can’t remember the name of the cancer but it was a lesion at the junction of his oesophagus and stomach and they graded at stage 4 he had flot before the surgery which was really harsh but did in fact clear the cancer completely but they decided to remove his whole stomach as well just in case he had suffered with stomach ulcers and barrats oesophagus my whole life.  He didn’t have chemo after because cancer had not spread anywhere and he simply couldn’t take another round of it.  He’s had this feeding tube in now since May 2023 he hates it but he’s so emaciated I can’t see them taking it and even letting him try and to be honest if they do I can sadly guarantee I will have to have him admitted as an emergency before Xmas and another one will be fitted because he will be so poorly it’s the same every time.  He will not even try more than a spoonful of food I think this year he’s probably had the equal amount of a saucer of food since January and that’s weeks in between he takes soluable tablets on a morning but says it’s uncomfortable every time it’s just awful to watch.  Let’s hope they can come up with something when we go next month although what I just don’t know x