Hi Gina and welcome to the forum.

Sorry it's your dad's illness that has brought you here, but hopefully you will find the support you need.

A lot of us are guilty of the dreaded 'Googling' but some sites can be misleading or just scary, so it's probably better to speak to your dad's medical team for advice about his lack of appetite. Obviously, I'm not medically trained or know your dad's case, but they may be able to prescribe something to enhance his appetite. Also, are there any treats your dad may fancy? My appetite was suppressed during chemo, but I fancied little trifles! I also ate smaller meals, but more frequently during the day as large meals over faced me at that time. Sorry if my suggestions are what you're already doing / have tried. His medical team may suggest  or prescribe protein shakes or soups (although some are a bit unpalatable! Maybe you could make your dad a batch of homemade soup to tempt him? 

Hopefully, others will be along soon to welcome you and offer their suggestions for your dad. In the meantime, take care of yourself too and let us know how your dad is getting on.

Sending you a hug, Jo xx

Hi Gina

I think you'll find the people on this forum friendly and helpful. My father had kindey cancer too which also spread to lungs etc. However his appetite remained good right till nearly the end, his last meal was a lamb biryani. You may know what your dads favorite foods are, presented in a small portion he might manage a few mouthfuls. Opiate pain releif eg morphine is an appetite supressant. If you have the contact number of your dads healthcare team give them a ring, your dad needs some help immediately, they will be able to suggest  things to help out. Also make sure you dad is drinking plenty its so easy when you are off your food to become dehydrated. Offer drinks frequently through the day dont wait for him to ask. Also the nurses here and at McMillan are available to talk to over the phone. What you are going through is hard enough without being on your own.

Hi gingin  Its not nice seeing someone you love not eating.  Try not to harrass him into eating as this wont work sometimes just a little something often.  My dad loved ice cream, tinned rice pudding and triffles but could only eat a couple of teaspoon so my Mum just had to let him eat when he wanted and the amount he wanted. If he is drinking dont buy suger free one thing my dad could get down was flat coke its not much but it got some sugar in him.  He could drink through a staw easier and so we made sure he always had a drink at his side even at night so he could just take a few sips. Even if this was just water or juice.

Like others have said you could get his doctor to perscribe some protein drinks.

I know its hard but one thing you and your family need to do is stay strong.

hi Meerkat@65 thank you for your reply. But yes we have tried small meals, shakes, soups but he doesnt want anything. If there was something he wanted to eat, even if it was a plane ride away I'd get it. Lol but thank you the kind words help and your survival is an inspiration  :)

Thank you for the welcome and yes I will try that :)

Thank you for the reply. we have tried to tempt him but nothing appeals. Maybe because he's in the middle of chemo. But the fact that your fathers appetite remained gives me a some hope. :)

Yeah it's very difficult watching his body reject food thank you for your reply. And my mother and I try not to force him. We just get this overwhelming urge to feed him. Lol his brothers and sisters dont seem to get it and become critical with my mother and I that we're not trying hard enough. But like you said it is better not to bug them.

Hello Gina,

I see you have already received the warmest of welcomes.

I just wanted to let you know that there has been a very similar thread today from someone whose husband's appetite is also very poor. I have posted some tips on that thread and information from our website on how to boost calorie intake. You can read the whole thread here and don't hesitate to write a line to Maureen35 as I am sure she would also love to talk to you about this!

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you so much. I wont lie, this makes me tear up. I have felt so alone for the last three months dealing with all this and the coldness of doctorts and its nice to know there are warm hearted good people out there.