Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 3 replies
  • Views 1773 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Weight loss during radiotherapy

Leelaxo
Offline

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 

Parents
  • Offline

    Thank you for responding. 

    we’ve tried everything. He degraded down from soft food to soups to ensure meal replacements to now he can only stand coffee. He says it burns when he drinks the ensure but not coffee and water. i believe there is nothing more I can do to get him to take anything. He is not willing to push past the pain. The painkillers and several mouthwashes he’s been given is not working - according to him. He has been given the best meds but is also not willing to use them. So I’m looking for reassurance, if I leave him be, will he be okay? Or do I need to be on constant watch? 

Reply
  • Offline

    Thank you for responding. 

    we’ve tried everything. He degraded down from soft food to soups to ensure meal replacements to now he can only stand coffee. He says it burns when he drinks the ensure but not coffee and water. i believe there is nothing more I can do to get him to take anything. He is not willing to push past the pain. The painkillers and several mouthwashes he’s been given is not working - according to him. He has been given the best meds but is also not willing to use them. So I’m looking for reassurance, if I leave him be, will he be okay? Or do I need to be on constant watch? 

Children
  • in reply to Leelaxo

    Hello and thank you for posting,

    I can appreciate that you are looking for reassurance, that it is distressing and difficult to support your husband, and that you are feeling very alone with it.

    It can be so hard to see your loved one not eat, but unfortunately, this is not something that you can control, especially if they have no appetite, and it is painful. It may also take a while for your husband to get his appetite back and for the pain to improve once treatment has finished.

    I know you have mentioned that the nurses have said that he needs to eat, but I wondered if the team, including the oncologist, is aware of how difficult this is for you both and how overwhelmed and exhausted you feel. As they know his situation, they would be better able to guide you on how much of a concern this is and if there is another way of managing this.

    I am sorry we cannot be more helpful, and I hope that when the treatment has finished, your husband will start to recover his appetite soon.

    Please do come back to us if you have any further questions,

    Take care

    Jemma

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.