<p>Results of thematic analysis.</p>

Data were analysed and coded thematically using a phenomenological approach.</p> <p>Results</p><p>Thirteen participants were included (12 with oesophageal cancer and one with gastric cancer; mean age 63 years, 62% male). Four main themes were identified: 1) lived experiences of nutritional changes during treatment and recovery; 2) perceptions of nutrition and role of the dietitian; 3) feeding tubes and oral supplements as “the necessary evil”; and 4) impact of treatment and nutritional changes on daily life.</p> <p>Conclusions</p><p>Participants experienced significant nutritional challenges throughout the treatment trajectory, greatly impacting on daily life and psychosocial wellbeing.

Participants found the dietetics care provided under the nutrition care pathway to be highly beneficial and acceptable, and dietitians were deemed an essential resource. The findings suggest that intensive, individualised nutrition care pathways, including oral and enteral supplementation, would be beneficial in similar clinical contexts, with peer support identified as an area for further resourcing and research.</p></div>