"The Dietitian was very supportive"

Had reconstruction and cancer removed from right side of tongue in 2023. Chemo and radiotherapy treatments commenced later in the year. I was aware that because of where the treatment was being targeted, I would be able to still swallow, so when met with Dietitian and advised I would make the effort to avoid having a peg put into my stomach.

The Dietitian was very supportive and guided me throughout.  I started special nutrition shakes when treatment was ongoing. Swallow was still good, but tongue sore and difficulty in eating. Advised at review meetings how many shakes I should be consuming (kept a food diary throughout).

At the acute stage, when treatment ended and my eating was very poor, I was encouraged to drink 5 nutrition drinks a day. Very difficult, but was encouraged by Dietitian to look it as fuel being taken, to give me more energy. Used my painkillers to help and manage my swallowing to drink 5 shakes.

Now starting to recover and can manage soup and soft food. Review meeting including Dietitian. Encouraged to try and eat a variety of soft foods and include nutrition shakes to increase energy levels. Dietitian very supportive and this will be ongoing.