How to take Fruits during chemo

Hi everyone,

          My partner's mom has been diagnosed with lung cancer and they have started Chemotherapy. She has had one chemo session and doctors are planning 3 more before ascertaining how her cancer is reacting to it. Even after the first chemo, her cough has reduced greatly. They've been giving her food/drinks every 2 hours just to make sure she doesn't become weak. But the doctors have asked her not to take any raw foods (fruits/veggies). She is a diabetic too, hence her options of food are already limited. How can we supplement the nutritional values of fruits? Can we cook fruits? How? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Also any suggestions on food that is good for cancer would be of help. She is now taking a lot of broccoli and greens, flaxseed oil/powder, yogurt, boiled egg for protein to name a few.

Thanks in advance,

V

The oncologist has likely suggested this because this patient is Neutropenic or at high risk of developing neutropenia, which means that her immune system will not be working as well as normal. Raw fruits and vegetables are to be avoided because it would be best to limit her exposure to bacteria that may make her sick. However, that is not the only limitation. Cooked foods are permitted on this diet. I would suggest that she ask for a neutropenic diet handout or a consult with a registered dietitian to help explain what this means. An RD will be able to give her advice on how to prepare healthy foods in keeping with both neutropenic and diabetic guidelines.

Thanks for the reply. Will discuss with a dietician soon.

-V