Post Oesephageal Surgery Nutrition & Weight Gain

My husband had successful surgery for oesephageal cancer last June. Before and after surgery he had chemotherapy and it is now three and a half months since his last round of chemo.  At a meeting with the surgeon he was told that when he was operated on, there was no remaining evidence of malignancy, the assumption being that it was eradicated by the first round of chemo. So far so good! Sadly, despite excellent follow up from the hospital, including regular phone calls from the nutritionist, the oncology nurse and the surgeon (or his substitute doctor), he still cannot gain weight. He has 6 meals a day - 1: Porridge made with whole milk and jam 2: 3 bananas 3: Scrambled eggs made with 3 large eggs, 4 scoops of Complan, 2 ounces of cheese, 1/2 cup of whole milk, melted butter 4: High calory drink (prescribed) and 6: Meat (a variety) chopped fine, gravy, mashed potato topped with cheese and grilled, vegetables chopped, enriched custards. I would be really grateful if you could suggest any additions or changes I could  make that  would help him gain the the extra 3 kilos that are his goal (from 67.5k to 70k+). Thanks!

  • Hello Cassiedor and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you are going through a bit of a stressful time. It sounds like your husband is doing so well and it is just getting to that final goal which is now causing a few problems.

    We aren't able to give medical opinions and we aren't part of a nutrition team, but I am able to send you some links that I really hope get your husband to where he wants to be after his amazing achievement.

    This is from our pages on eating with oesophageal cancer,  and how to put on weight during and after cancer treatment.

    The cancer charity Macmillan also has some good information on build-up diets and they have produced a booklet on it here.

    Take care Cassiedor, and I hope you also have your own support at this time. If you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040, and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Try whizzing the banana and milk with plenty of peanut butter and ice cream it piled weight on me.