Hello to all you brave people out there

My dad was first diagnosed with cancer back in 92 and less than a week later he had a trach. He lives in Tenerife and there always has been a language barrier, and now that speaking is a problem for him, its not any easier. We lost my mum to non-hodgekins 5 years ago and dad is on his own over there (he wont come back to the uk and is set in his ways). He is now 73 years old and has always been a large fit man, but now is struggling to have energy.

He eats his porridge every morning without fail (it takes him a while but he manages). other than this he is seriously struggling to get much nutrition. i do worry about him and feel a bit helpless being here in scotland (i do pop over when i can). he struggles to swallow food and im running out of ideas to help him, other than blend his food to liquid.

I read about peg food but dont know what that actually is. I would really appreciate some fresh ideas.

The medical care over there is second to none, the only downside is there is no after care and advice for him is few and far between. He does as he is told by the doctors etc. but i feel there is a lot more he could know about daily life for him, and how to make things like eating and getting nutrition, a lot easier.

Thanks and best wishes to you all
Amanda xx

Hello Amanda, It must be really difficult trying to help your dad when he is so far away. You are bound to worry whether he is getting enough nourishment and, as he lives alone, is he motivated to shop for the right foods or bothering to cook a meal for himself. You said that you have liquidised meals for him - maybe this is the best option for him if he can only manage food that will 'slide down'. There are products which can be prescribed by his GP that are packed with all the vitamins, minerals, calories etc to keep him healthy - Fortisip, Ensure, Skandishakes etc. but they are not as satisfying as a warm meal, even if it has to be in the form of a thick soup! There are lots of tips on eating under the 'Helpful tips' heading. Hopefully, there will soon be a separate heading especially for food.

I can't decide from your posting if your dad has a peg tube fitted - as he has a permanent trachy I would have thought so, but if you're not familiar with peg food then maybe not! His doctor would have to prescribe the formula which your dad would pump into his tummy, giving him all the nutrients he needs (so the answer must be no to a peg)...I'm tying myself in knots here and confusing you into the bargain so I will shut up!

Let us know a bit more about your dad's illness etc and someone will be able to answer your questions or come up with some suggestions. (I liquidise all my meals and have put some suggestions on my blog - see Brenda's story). Best wishes. Brenda