Posted 10/12/2009 9:04 PM (GMT -6)
My dad is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for mouth/throat cancer. He has developed gastric problems that are not typical reactions to the treatments, but they do sound like symptoms related to lactose intolerance. He must consume an unusually large # of calories per day via a feeding tube and by mouth as much as possible. All food he takes by mouth must be high in calories and smooth with very little texture to make swallowing easier. Because of this, he is taking in lots of whole milk in different forms (breakfast drinks, ice cream, milkshakes, creamy soups, etc.). I am wondering if his stomach complaints - severe bloating, belching, nausea, fullness could be a result of a sudden onset lactose intolerance due to an uncharacteristically large amount of whole milk in his diet. Prior to his cancer treatments, all milk products he consumed were low in fat and calories. Any information would be appreciated.