Hello aginagi and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your mum,

This must be a difficult time for you all.

It is hard to advise you without being involved in your mum's care but it may help to go to any appointments that your mum has in the future. I am not sure whether your mum had a dietitian and whether you could get in touch with them for advice.

If her GP is also involved in her care you could ask their advice.

Unfortunately if your mum does not want to eat there is very little that you can do. Trying to encourage your mum to have a little of what she feels like eating such as ice-cream, jelly and encouraging her to drink to keep her mouth moist. Sometimes having chips of ice may help or even ice lollies as it maybe a good way of getting fluid in to your mum

We do have some information on our website about diet problems with patients who have had treatment to the mouth

and tips on a soft diet

Do ask what your mum what she would like to happen. She may find a peg tube would help if she is still reluctant to take food by mouth.

I am not sure if your mum has a nurse who visits her at home whether they can offer some advice.

Macmillan have a booklet called the build-up diet which may have some helpful suggestions.

I do hope that some of these links may be useful. Do give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you would like to talk things through. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine