Looking for advice

[Dash67]

Hi im new to this site. My mum has a tumer on her lung nd in the lymph nodes. She has just finished 12days of radiotherapy 3 a day. She is having trouble swallowing and eating. Was put on antacid stuff with liquid morphine. But not really helping.

[Jackie46]

She should have a lung cancer nurse specialist involved in her care. Give him/ her a ring straight away as they should be able to suggest alternatives. Your gp should also be able to help if you can't get hold of the nurse. Check as usually you are given information with key contact numbers. There should always be someone available in the team who can help.

[Ahudreddas]

Yeah as Jackie has said call your nurse 1st if no help there speak to your onocologist receptionist, she can be extremely helpful, also contact your GP she can give you a prescription for supliment foods, in liquid form, complan, shot type things, high vitamin fruit juice drinks and yogurt, those little pots of custard were great too. There is help out there sadly you sometimes need to shout hard to get it. Hope this helps a little x

[Suzy6]

Hi I have lung cancer and saw a dietician at the Oncologist Clinic who gave me samples of Amyes milkshakes twice a day and Forticreme puddings lunch time. My GP didn't want the expense of prescribing and wouldn't give them to me. The Oncologist Dietcian wrote to them and bingo no problem. As others have said ring your Oncologist Clinic or Nurse.

Best wishes to you and your Mum.

Suzy

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Dash67,

Welcome to our forum, sorry to hear of your mums tumor, radiotherapy treatment can cause inflammation in the cells lining the throat and mouth making it difficult and painful to swallow, as the others have said get back in touch with the medical team treating your mum they may suggest meal supplements. It can help to take a painkiller before eating and she may find soft smooth foods such as yogurt and puddings easier also pureed or moist foods such as casseroles. There are some which foods may irritate your mums throat so best to avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks and anything spicy or citrus, try to eat little and often. Below is a link to cancer research and the side effects of radiotherapy.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Radiotherapy can also leave you more susceptible to infection, thrush infections in the mouth and throat are not uncommon adding to the pain, speak with your Gp who will prescribe medication if needed.

We have a variety of information on our website roycastle.org or we can post some booklets out to you on Radiotherapy and living with Cancer, these can also be ordered online from our website roycastle.org/ayqpack

Please feel free to call us on our helpline number 0333 323 7200 (option 2) if you would like to speak with someone.

Kind regards

Rot Castle Helpline

[Bow-19]

Similiar advice again. Try your Consultants secretary, GP, District Nurses, Lung Cancer Nurse, Mac Millan Nurses until you get the help that you need. I have found that once I have had the first contact with someone to help that they have then been available as and when I have needed them. Be very clear what difficulties your mum is having and then feedback to them anytime something is not resolving. Sometimes you need to be very persistent to get the best results.

Best wishes xX

[jaynecarol]

l had the same problem found morphin pAtches or tables helped me .those drinks do help but they are not food .blend anything she likes but try and avoid meat im 3 years down the line and stull cant do red meat good luck food is all a trail drink as much water as poss xx

[Dash67]

Hi would just luke to say thank u. For all ur help. 😘