No appetite and weight loss

[KBC]

Hi, I am new here and my step-dad was diagnosed with Stage 1 NSCLC in June, had vats lobectomy and has since progressed to Stage 4 Metastatic NSCLC. He has just begun treatment with Keytruda two weeks ago, first line treatment.  Main problem is that he has become emaciated since his June surgery, has tons of phlegm and has no appetite. Just will not eat. Anyone have this experience and any advice appreciated. My mom and I don’t know what to do, he barely eats and loosing weight weekly. Thank you in advance and good luck to all ~ Thanks

[Steff]

KBC-

I am sorry to hear about your step-dad.  My mom struggled with eating early on in her treatment with chemo + Keytruda.  Part of it was not feeling great from the chemo and the other part was her constant coughing.  She had a stent in her trachea which caused a lot of irritation.  During this time, my mom increased her dosage of mucinex (I believe to 3 times per day).  This helped to keep some of the phlegm at bay.  She's been on a constant does of twice per day for several years.  Is your step-dad taking mucinex?  If not, I would ask his docs what dosage they recommend to start at and get him going on it asap.  Another thought of his lack of eating may be more psychological rather than physiological.  Stress and sadness over a big life change like a cancer diagnosis is pretty common.  Perhaps your step-dad could use some assistance in the physiological department - whether it be medications and/or speaking to a counselor.  No matter what the cause, losing lots of weight during cancer treatment isn't always a good thing and the issue should be addressed with your step-dad's docs until something can get figured out.

Take Care,

Steff

[LUNGevityKristin]

I'm sorry to hear this.  INA might be able to help.  It's an intelligent nutritionist that can assist with dietary needs.  Here is the link for the free 24/7 service: https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/meet-ina-your-personal-intelligent-nutrition-assistant

[KBC]

Hi Steff and Kristin and thank you so much for your replies. Its unfortunate that we are all part of this group but I thank you truly for your input. Will be trying all of your suggestions and yes, Steff, I think there certainly may be a mental component as well at this point. He is just so turned off to the topic of food. Any online therapist service that you could recommend would be helpful , he is home bound at the moment. Hoping the Keytruda kicks in soon and maybe he feels a little stronger in the next few weeks. Sending my best to you both, this is such a tough diagnosis, but there is always hope! Sending good vibes! Kris (KBC)