Hey all,

My father had a sore throat for several months, a camera showed a lump in his throat, a CT scan showed that it hadn't spread and a biopsy showed that it was cancer, but early stages and with radiotherapy, the chances of it being treated were good.

He's smoked like a chimney since I can remember, so his cancer was born from that and I know it sounds a bit cold, but I almost felt relief that it wasn't more advanced given how much he smoked. 

He is now undergoing radiotherapy sessions, and has been warned that this will impact his taste buds and ability to eat certain foods.

I'd really appreciate advice on a few things.

1 - Food

I'm learning how to make soups and trying to think of soft food I could give him. It would be great if I could have some recipes from people who have supported someone who has gone through radiotherapy and so knows what they found easy to eat and good ways to get nutrition. 

2- Emotional Support

My dad is quite stoic, he doesn't like allowing his own stress to affect other people. The day before his first treatment he stayed in one room by himself and was quite unresponsive. I don't know how to emotionally support him when he's not the kind of man to share his feelings or talk about it. But I do recognise he will need support, just how do I give it?

3 - What to expect and how to prepare for it.

I have no idea how he will feel after radiotherapy sessions and would be interested to hear from people who have gone through this treatment. Also, I don't know how this will affect him long term, the chances of this coming back and how he can give himself the best chance.  

Thank you for reading! Hope everyone is staying safe.x