oesophageal cancer/ivor Lewis

[Ollies12345]

hoping for some help my dad had an Ivor Lewis 6 years ago. He’s is his 80’s now. I’m very worried as he’s been having issues with gagging then pain, he also gets constipated. He’s just had a scan and endoscopy and all as well as it can be in that area.

Dad is just skin and bone and I’m concerned as I think he’s now getting nervous of eating due to this gagging then pain, they think the foods getting blocked up, he does have emptying medication.

I’ve ordered him clear whey protein drinks as the shakes are too much for him. Does anybody have any good tips as he needs more nutrition as he’s getting weaker.

Warm wishes to all love Ali xx

[Julieanne60]

Hi Ollie. So sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad has recently started the Fortijuice nutritional drinks (he has a different diagnosis to your Dad) and found them easier to drink. Hope this helps. Best wishes to you both. Julie

[Tanktank]

Dear Ali

Like all of us post IL your dad plumbing doesn’t move food through the body in a controlled manner. I guess he’s taking Lactulose or similar to help with constipation but if he’s not eating then there’s not much there to soften. I can be constipated one minute then dumping the next. I love pistachio nuts but they cause me to dump within 15 mins. We are warned not to drink too much when eating to avoid flushing out our system but the choice of food (and how much it is chewed) is important for movement as our pipes are now inefficient. Taste is also important and the protein drinks are invariably so sweet as to be inedible. I have found several things that taste nice, are easy to swallow and digest and are good for protein, fibre, nutrients etc.

1. Porridge made with milk and served with double cream. A wonderfully extravagant way to start the day.

2. Pan fried halloumi cheese and vine tomatoes. Great smell, taste and texture.

3. Seriously creamy fruit yogurts. Smooth and tasty. Quick easy calories anytime. Add double cream to make it even tastier.

4. Fish pie with both the potato and sauce made with double cream. A great evening meal and servings can be heated in the microwave so one big pie can last 3-4 days.

5. Finally thick custard. Mixed with cream and a variety of fruits.

Hope this all helps. I have regained enough weight now to be healthy and to give me the energy to walk and bike ride for enjoyment.

Best wishes

Tanktank

[liz_crisp]

Hi Ollie sorry to hear your dad has food motility probs again. It happen a lots. It might be an idea to go onto grazing all day and sort of going back to the portion sizes he had at the beginning after the op for a while and build up again. just little things all fortified with butter, cream, cheese, thick youghurt etc. Tanktanks recipes are great suggestions the milk mars drink or really thick milkshakes can be good too but just a little at a time it may help to stop the gagging

Keep food creamy and not spicy,

And encourage him to think about chewing food it does make a difference.

Cheers Lizzy

[Ollies12345]

thank you so much for your helpful replies warm regards Ali xx