Help with loss of appetitie

Ex partner has been diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer, kidnesy & very large tumour removed last summer & he has recently started immunotherpay for secondary lunch & lymph node cancer. 

First round of immunotherapy was a breeze, this round has been horrific, resulting in sheer exhaustion, joint pain, constant weakness, nausea, lack of appetite - loss of 1 stone in weight in a week - to the point that they have no wish to eat. Had to be treated for dehydration prior to last round of immunotherapy. 

I'm at my wits end as our youg daughter has just called to say they've pulled over in the car so that they can vomit at the side of the road - having not ate anything since Tuesday night. 

What if anything can I do - this cannot be healthy & any good for treatment, I can't force feed an adult to eat, especially if they cannot stomach food. After the op they were given meal replacement shakes in hospital & couldn't stomach those, so I can't see them willingly drinking them again.

  • Hello CRM1978

    I'm sorry to hear that your ex partner is struggling with their treatment at the moment. It sounds like it's been a difficult time for you all. 

    Presumably your he has a specialist nurse at the hospital that they can contact for advice and support. If you've not already done so then it sounds as if it would be a good idea to give them a call and talk through your concerns. They will be used to dealing with these kind of side effects and can hopefully help perhaps with prescribing/adjusting medication to tackle the nausea and pain relief. They will also be able to offer advice and support regarding diet and hydration. 

    I hope that things improve for you all soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator