Hi all, thanks for checking out this post. I am in need of some help.
I was a fairly active member here last year. I was on Weight Watchers, and lost 40 lbs. I gained about 10 of it back, but was happy with my loss even though it was only half way to goal. I got sick with kidney stones and ended up quitting WW, and drifting away from here.

Fast forward to last Feb. I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I just finished 35 radiation treatments two weeks ago. I should be well on my way to healing, but I'm not. I am having serious issues eating. As of today it has been six weeks since I have eaten. I have a sip here or a nibble there, but I have some problems with pain and (sorry for tmi) excess mucus). Right now the only thing keeping me alive is the IV fluids I get daily at the hospital. My Dr refused to put me on a feeding tube, he kept saying I would be better very soon, and I should be. I can drink better now, and swallow some medication, so I should be able to swallow food too. I am starting to think maybe my problem is partially mental? I am constantly nauseaus, which doesnt help, but I can swallow liquids fairly well. I will pull a boost out....stare at it for an hour, then put it back in the fridge. I'm scared to eat, all the gagging and throwing up hurts so much.

I know this isnt the perfect place to post these questions, but I know everyone here is so incredibly helpful, I though maybe someone might have some ideas or tips on how or what I can eat to get some nutrition in me. I have lost over 40 lbs, since the beginning of april. Not the way I wanted to do it.

Thanks so much ladies. I appreciate any and all advice, tips or ideas.

God bless you, it sounds like you have gone through so much. Cancer runs in my family and I am so scared of it. I am glad you are recovering

This sounds like a question that is best for your doctor. They can give you medical advice or refer you to a nutritionist. The forums here may not meet your needs that way, in least in my opinion but we are here to support you.



Take good care and feel free to PM me.

I don't have a fix-all answer for you, I'm not a medical professional.

But I do have a lot of these for you:


If you think it's mental then maybe you should see a therapist. They might be able to get you over that hurdle.

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. I hope you get it figured out soon!

Your story reminds me of a Freaky Eaters episode called "Addicted to Liquids." The featured lady wasn't really addicted to liquids, what had happened was that she had choked on a piece of meat and her husband had to perform the Heimlich on her. She was traumatized, becoming terrified of solid food and not being able to swallow anything but liquid for 18 months (she could chew up solid food but had to spit it out).

A psychotherapist and nutritionist appear on every episode in order to help the featured eater with their issues, and here they take the lady through baby steps, both physically and emotionally, in order to help her get over her fears so she could begin eating again.

I'm not sure if the episode would be beneficial for you to check out, but it might help you to see someone else living through the fear of eating (regardless of the reason) and getting professional help for it. I haven't been able to find anything more than an online clip to link you to, but you can stream the whole episode if you have Netflix.

Once again, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I believe you'll need some kind of therapist to work with since it's likely some of this is mental. Take care and good luck!

I'm so sorry you've had to go through this.

This isn't medical advice, just my opinion. It may be somewhat psychological, but if you are nauseous, it's quite understandable that you don't want to eat.
Does your doctor have you on any anti-nausea meds like Zofran or Phenigren (sp?)? These can be life-savers.

Also, if you are able to drink, you may try something like Nepro. It's similar to Ensure or Boost, but it's lower in sugar and higher in protein---given to patients who are on dialysis. I just learned about these recently when a family member was in the hospital. The buttered pecan is pretty good!

You just went through 35 rounds of radiation two weeks ago, things are going to be sore and uncomfortable. Drink Ensure, my Mother lived on it for two years dealing with throat (thyroid) cancer and baby steps when re-introducing food. Don't eat anything too spicy, acidic, or salty because it will burn. Start with VERY bland when you're ready and in time you will be eating like normal again.

Best wishes.