Eating Concerns

Hello, 

I am looking for some support/advice to help my mum, who is struggling to eat. Last year she was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, had an operation to remove the cancer but unfortunately contracted Sepsis and had a prolonged stay in hospital afterwards. She has now been home circa 12 weeks and initially when she left hospital had an appetite and would eat a variety of foods. But over the last few weeks, her appetite has wained. The smell and sight of food makes her feel ill or reminds her of her stoma.  If she does eat, something it is very little and tends to favour sweet foods then anything else or the texture is soft like yoghurt or a piece of cake. 

We have been to a dentist to check that there is nothing wrong with her mouth. Only thing noted is that she has lost some tastebuds from her tongue. We have mentioned to gp and district nurse and we don't get any response other than don't beat yourself up as you've been through a lot.

I know this can't continue and its putting a strain on our relationship and with other family members. Does my mum now have an eating disorder? Is this a side effect of medication? Who can help us as I'm struggling to know what to do or say. Does the lack of eating mean the cancer has comeback.

 

I would really appreciate any help you can give me. My mum has been through so much that I can't lose her now.

Thank you

 

Harri184

  • Hello Harri184 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your mum and appreciate why you have some concerns you have about her appetite or lack of it.

    I don't think she has an eating disorder from what you have said however your mum, her body and her mind has been through a lot the past few months. It isn't unusual for patients who have had bowel surgery or cancer to have diet problems at some point in their journey. What is important now is that your mum gets the right help and support to get her through this time and try and get to the bottom of what may be causing this. There could be a number of different factors.

    We have some sections of information relating to bowel cancer and diet problems here and here.

    It sounds like you and the rest of the family have been doing all you can to encourage your mum to eat. You have spoken to several different health professionals about your worries and therefore it must be frustrating for this to be dismissed and then left to deal with it on your own.

    I would suggest speaking with your mums clinical nurse specialist (CNS) at the hospital if she has one to see if they can help. Failing that arrange an appointment with a different GP at her surgery who can properly assess her and refer her onto other services if needed. They may refer onto a hospital dietician or a community Macmillan nurse who can also offer support and give information and advice to patients and their families including symptom management.

    Up and down the country there are also cancer support centres( sometimes called Macmillan centres often located on hospital sites) that can be searched up here and Maggie centres here that also offer both practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer and are great environments to get some TLC.

    Do make some contact with the people and organisations I have mentioned and I really hope your mum gets all that she needs soon so she can return to some sort of normal.

    Please get back if needed and remember you can always call us on 0808 800 4040, weekdays 9-5 if you prefer.

    All the very best

    Take care

    Naomi