Hi there ... all l can think of is phoning McMillan or the free phone here , as you can give them more info and they must have others with that too .. any ways welcome to our little chat room , hope you get more along who have ideas ... such a shame as you think after all the treatment and all clear, everything would go back to normal ... good luck ... Chrissie x

Welcome to Cancer Chat, Aj0905.

I'm sorry to hear that after finishing his radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments your dad still can't eat and is having difficulties with breathing through his nose when he tries to eat or drink. 

We do have some general information on our website on how to cope with eating and drinking difficulties that some people with cancer have that I'm attaching to this message which I hope can be of some help.

Also, feel free to give our friendly team of cancer nurses a ring and ask for suggestions. Their lines are open Monday - Friday between 9 a.m - 5 p.m on 0808 800 4040.

Best wishes to you and your dad,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

Aj

the treatment you dad has been through has been one hell of a ride

i am now 3.5 years post treatment for throat cancer and I have had to make small adjustments, but I’m doing well

it would be useful to know how long out of treatment you dad is and depending in the weight loss and intensity of treatment, will depend on how long it takes to get to a stable platform

for instance I finished my treatment 15th August and just about got to eating a small Christmas dinner, but very slowly

even now, my voice is very weak, I still have trouble swallowing anything like chips and bread (those things sap the moisture out of your mouth), so it always goes down with a glass of Juice.

dont expect too much too soon, it could take 6 months before you get to stabilise and have the strength to push on

shout whenever you want and ask away, we are hear to help

i have also included my blog, it talk a lot about going through treatment, but also talks about recovery afterwards too.

i hope it helps

gammaraygary.wordpress.com/.../

vatch

Hi, 

Thanks for your reply. Dad finished his treatment in January 2017. He started 3 rounds of chemo in September followed by radiotherapy (I can't remember how long but was over 6 weeks) When going through his treatment he was generally well but started going down hill after his treatment was completed. He was eating throughout the treatment, just small things and slowly not using his feeding tube.

Since finishing his treatment he has been using his feeding tube as his main form of food. He is not able to breath through his nose so when he now tries to drink water or soup he chokes a lot and bring what he has been able to eat back up. 

The doctors haven't been much help with information and just trying anything to help. 

Thanks

Amanda 

Amanda

i finish my treatment on the 15th August and did not get rid of my feeding tube until 18th December and it only went then as I had convinced the doctors I was eating small amounts regularly .... I was not but just wanted to get rid of the tube ... although it kept me alive, I hated the sight of it towards the end as it physically defined me as having cancer.

My medical team gave me a portable nebuliser to help break the mucus down, this might be of use to you dad so go ask for one

i have included the page on my blog post about it

gammaraygary.wordpress.com/.../

keep on those forticips as a supliment and little and often is the key at the start

let us know how he gets on and shout whenever you want we are always here to help and no question is too menial or silly

vatch