My father, a survivor of oral cancer, is having trouble finding a nutrionist who specializes in nutrition plans for individuals who have had oral cancer. He has trouble manipulating food due to the loss of part of his tongue. He has been drinking an ensure-like shake for the past two yrs. but has had trouble keeping weight on. Unfortunately the nutrionist he saw wasn't used to dealing with his situation and couldn't assist him in creating a nutrition plan, aside from telling him to continue his current plan. We're located in State College,PA. Are there any doctors others can recommend? or any other advice anyone could provide would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Cara917 - Nutrition is a really important challenge for many of us. Is your father able to swallow well enough to support his nutritional needs? Being able to swallow "some" may not be sufficient to get enough calories into his system. If he can swallow ensure-type liquids, take good advantage and buy the high calorie variety. I use the Wal-Mart generic called "equate". I get 7 to 10 cans into me per day, and I'm using the 350 calorie/can flavors.

Lots of survivors really underestimate their nutritional needs. And getting calories is only part of the issue. Everyone needs a good sampling of the RDA for all the vitamins and minerals. Plus, the nutrition has to taste good and be interesting, and be available, and be affordable. Other than all that - its simple!!

Pour on the total calories up until his weight returns. Work on the balance, taste and availability as you go. Don't worry about a nutritionist with experience in our disease, become your own expert. Start with 2500 calories per day, at least 64oz of water per day and all the vitamins you can get him to take. You can do it. Tom

In our personal experience, Tom's goal of 2500 cal. and 64 oz of water is impossible. My husband's stomach can not tolerate that amount of "imput", so he is on a feeding tube nutrient that has 475 cal. per can [it also comes in a drinkable form] The best he can do is 4 of those, plus water and Gatoraide in a 24 hr. period. Sometimes we can sneak in an extra 8 oz. of bullion or thinned cream soup to boost the caloric intake some. The main thing is how often does your Dad want to try to eat and how much can he tolerate at a given time? If you can get that schedule worked out, then you can start working on the most calories possible at each meal. It's a challange. Best Luck. Amy

I appreciate your input. I had my dad read over your comments. I'll have to teach him how to type and use the internet one of these days so he can start posting on this site .. it seems helpful. Best of luck to both of you! ~Cara