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Weight loss during radiotherapy

Leelaxo
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Hi there. I’m new here and at my minds end. My husband is going through final 2 weeks of radiotherapy for stage 2 nasopharyngeal cancer. He lost 8 kg in the last 2 weeks and nurses keep telling him that this is bad for radiotherapy targeting the right areas if his shake changes. I’m so overwhelmed and confused I don’t know what to do to get him to eat. I’m doing all I can with liquid foods, high calorie shakes etc but he says no. He manages around 500 cals a day, he isn’t skin and bone but losing weight.

my questions, with 1.5 weeks of treatment left will this impact targeting much or can I ease up on nagging him to eat? It’s exhausting. Also post treatment, should I be nagging him more to eat or can I leave it up to him since treatment is done? It’s a constant struggle of trying to get him to eat, I am in this alone and I literally cannot handle it anymore. I just need to know if he continues this way is to dangerous or can I take it easier on myself and stop struggling 

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  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am very sorry to hear about your husband's situation and that he is struggling to eat and losing weight.

    It sounds like you are doing your very best so try and be kind to yourself. This isn't just up to you and your husband needs to take some responsibility, as difficult as it may be for him.

    There are various high protein/high calorie drinks and powders that can be added to food and drinks to build patients up although sometimes it is trial and error in finding something to suit a patient. Eating something little and often can be more manageable rather than trying to get in 3 larger meals a day. There is more information about this on the putting on weight section of the website. There is also dieticians on the world cancer research fund cancer and nutrition helpline.

    It is important that patients do try and maintain their current weight during radiotherapy as much as possible as this may change the target of where the dose of radiotherapy is given.

    Try and explain this to your husband so he understands why it is so important that he tries to eat. Not just to maintain his weight for his treatment but also for his general health and well being and to ensure his body recovers quickly after treatment.

    I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch if you need to. You are also welcome to call the helpline on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer, we are here weekdays 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi

Reply

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am very sorry to hear about your husband's situation and that he is struggling to eat and losing weight.

    It sounds like you are doing your very best so try and be kind to yourself. This isn't just up to you and your husband needs to take some responsibility, as difficult as it may be for him.

    There are various high protein/high calorie drinks and powders that can be added to food and drinks to build patients up although sometimes it is trial and error in finding something to suit a patient. Eating something little and often can be more manageable rather than trying to get in 3 larger meals a day. There is more information about this on the putting on weight section of the website. There is also dieticians on the world cancer research fund cancer and nutrition helpline.

    It is important that patients do try and maintain their current weight during radiotherapy as much as possible as this may change the target of where the dose of radiotherapy is given.

    Try and explain this to your husband so he understands why it is so important that he tries to eat. Not just to maintain his weight for his treatment but also for his general health and well being and to ensure his body recovers quickly after treatment.

    I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch if you need to. You are also welcome to call the helpline on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer, we are here weekdays 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi

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