Hello everyone,
My husband is over six weeks out of radiation. His neck and throat are healed. Very little dry mouth.....occasionally at night. The PEG was removed two weeks ago...though he only used it a few times, we were glad we had it for the last week of radiation and first few weeks post....
Overall, the treatment was easier than we thought it would be and the side effects minimal. We stayed on top of the medication and he had little pain and really no nausea.
Now, on to survivorship and the rest of our lives. A bit of fatigue and very little appetite. He has literally no interest in food. We just went away for a fabulous weekend....with incredible food. He lost 2.5lbs!!
Any tips on increasing his appetite? I put some Ensure shakes in front of him today.....which he drank, but it seems like we are moving backward!!!

And yes, I have read many informative posts and infomation on medical marijuana, etc. Aside from that route and the shakes...any ideas on how to increasie an appetite fir someone who has no mouth pain and can swallow anything?? How long will this last???

Congrats to your husband for getting thru this so easily. Sounds like he is one of the lucky few who sailed right thru. It can take a long while for a full recovery. He will notice small improvements up to 2 years post rads. He may not get his appetite back for a while but he has to push himself to take in higher calories and hydration for the next several months. I found success in chocolate peanut butter milkshakes. They were high in calories and I had something I actually liked to drink. Try to find something he likes and hopefully it will be high in calories.

Best wishes with his continued recovery.

Kevin will be one year out from last tx at the end of this month. He is JUST getting his appetite back. Some days are better than others. He continued to lose or maintain for the first 7 months or so. Has been gaining a bit since. Things are just now beginning to taste a bit more normal.
I wouldn't worry too much unless he is extremely thin and/or sickly. He will get his appetite back soon enough.
Kathy

It's at least as important post Tx as it is during Tx to get 2500-3000 cals in him each and every day. Try Boost VHC and get it thru Amazon using the OFC.

There are prescription drugs used to help up appetite...Here's a write up from Livestrong about the most common ones.

Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine, also known as Remeron, is used to treat severe issues with depression. Researchers believe this drug helps depression by increasing serotonin and adrenaline in the brain which helps chemicals transmit between nerve cells in the brain. This drug also has been effective at relieving the loss of appetite associated with depression. Side effects of can include flu symptoms, sores or patches on the skin or mouth, faintness, dizziness, weakness, constipation, dry mouth and thirst.

Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine is mainly used as an antihistamine to help relieve cold and allergy symptoms. It is also used to treat skin issues such as poison ivy, poison oak and insect bites. This drug has been found to also be effective to treat loss of appetite in children and adults who suffer from cystic fibrosis. As with many antihistamines, cyproheptadine can cause drowsiness and a thickening of lung secretions. Less common side effects can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. Serious side effects, including depression, photosensivity, hemolytic anemia and bronchospasms, should be examined by a doctor.

Megestrol
Megestol was introduced in the 1970s for treatment in some breast and endometrial cancers. In the 1990s, this drug was also approved to help with treatment of eating disorders and loss of appetite associated with AIDS. It is recommended for weight loss only after all other treatable causes of weight loss are addressed and treated. This drug can be harsh on a patient's system: Side effects include abdominal and chest pain, heart palpitations, convulsions, depression, cough and lung disorders, sweating and herpes. Patients who see any of these side effects should see a doctor immediately.

Dronabinol
Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the chemical compound found in marijuana. Marijuana has been used as an appetite stimulant for centuries. Usually prescribed for cancer and AIDS patients, this drug should be prescribed as a last effort after all other options for controlling weight loss and appetite have failed: it can be habit forming. Dronabinol can have some severe side effects, including seizures, paranoia, fainting and an increased heart rate. Patients who have any of these side effects should contact their doctor immediately. Less serious side effects include mood changes, feeling "high," anxiety, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/18308-drugs-stimulate-appetite/#ixzz29Zx8kAVk


How's that medical marijuana looking after reading the side effects of each of these prescriptions? Pretty good to me...especially when one of the best side effects of MJ is "Makes every movie much funnier".

you're welcome.

Eric

Thanks for all of your information. Have ordered some high calorie Boost and will ask the ENT(next week is our 8 week post radiation check-in) about the medication....

Overall, he is feeling great....almost "normal"....but he needs to being eating more!!

Really appreciate all of your help!!

Goodhealthhead, glad you have treatment behind you. I found my pain meds had suppressed my appetiate and when I reduced then eliminared pain meds (Oxycodone) my appetiate came back strong. I had lost 50 lbs and my stomach had shrunk so as first I could not eat much. Now 4 months after last treatment (and about 2 months since being able to eat) I can eat small meals. Good Luck! Ken

I lost 110 pounds in one month in 2009, and used several medications. I'm up 50 pounds now. To add to what was posted to increase the appetite and weight....caffeine, wine..probably not a good idea, decadron..a corticosteroid, anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, b12, protein drinks, snacks, reduce exercise, supplement like yohimbe bark extract, smaller, frequent meals....See the doctors before trying anything, and several require prescriptions.