I know how much a patients throat and mouth hurt when going thru radiation. I also know all too well if he doesnt force himself to use those swallowing muscles he will have a much harder time relearning how to eat again. I went down that same path and in the end I suffered more than I had to by being too lazy to push myself. This is why I always tell other members about how important it is to hit those daily minimums. It is up to him to push himself. A caregiver can only do so much if their patient isnt willing to work with them and do what is necessary even if it is uncomfortable.

If weight is being lost it is due to not taking in enough calories. Count how many cans and how many calories each can has to find out exactly what is being taken in. Some patients have a fast metabolism and burn calories quicker than others. I suggest if he is only doing the daily minimum then he needs to increase it.

Having a good long talk with his doc should help you with all your questions about losing fat vs muscle and cachexia. Finding pain meds that will work will help too. Again, thats up to the doc to prescribe what will work best.

Believe it or not, very soon he is going to begin to feel slightly better. Right now is the absolute worst time in the whole radiation/recovery process. Talk with the doc and give it another week or two and then look back on everything and you should see some progress.

Best wishes!!!


PS... Dont forget to take some time just for you too. Caregiving is a tough job and you really have your hands full.