Dad's lost more weight...please help

My Dad was down 2 lbs when he went to his appointment two weeks ago so his weight was down (since diagnosis) from 168 to 129.  They put him on Megace to stimulate his appetite two weeks ago.  His next treatment (11th round of CPT-11 with Avastin) is today.  My Mom just called and today he is down another 5 lbs for a total of 7 lbs in the last couple of weeks.  His weight is now at 124 and he's so discouraged.  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks

Hi, I lost weight and had trouble gaining weight during my struggle with cancer. The megace should start to help him pickup on his appetite. I know it sounds easy to say that he needs to eat more, but you don't say whether or not he is keeping food down or experiencing nausea or vomiting. Nutrition is important with any cancer treatment. I've been on Abraxine with Avastin and finally started gaining weight a few months ago. It was only a couple of pounds every couple wks but it was something. I had to increase my appetite and eat more than I thought I should. The cancer working on his body is what may be causing the weight loss. That's why nutrition is so important while he is under doctor's care and on chemo. Does he eat during his chemo treatments ? That was a help for me. I did not suffer as much nausea by doing that. Hope this helps. Wishing you much success in your trials.

Kathy in Ohio

 Hi sorry to hear abour your dad,  have you tried nutritional drinks?  like ensure.... or have your tried  protein powder and wheight on?  can get all at wallmart,  does he take a multi vitimin?..... if he cannott  eat solid foods how about baby food has good nutritional vits in ... or how about mash    the potatoes, carrotts, brocli, etc together,, thats what I do with my wife as she has colon cancer stage 1V and finds it hard to eat food.... do hope this is some help....

  God Bless You and Your  Dad......

Has he tried the shake recipe I gave you/  How about discussing TPN with his oncologist... that was what was needed for my Dad... he is on TPN six days a week each night and still gets his chemo too.  Dad is finally back up to 128... was 107 at one point!

 

On 8/10/2009 HIGH STRUNG DAUGHTER wrote:

My Dad was down 2 lbs when he went to his appointment two weeks ago so his weight was down (since diagnosis) from 168 to 129.  They put him on Megace to stimulate his appetite two weeks ago.  His next treatment (11th round of CPT-11 with Avastin) is today.  My Mom just called and today he is down another 5 lbs for a total of 7 lbs in the last couple of weeks.  His weight is now at 124 and he's so discouraged.  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks

I 've some Immunopower Powder (protein like use mostly for pple to fight cancer) left from my mom care.  I could send to you.  I've several.  You could google to know more about this product.

Best wishes,

V

My mother has GBM 4, but no wt loss issues as of yet, however, I work as a dietitian (RD) in a hospital and see many people with cancer.  Of course, everyone is different... I encourage trying to get the most out of every bite and drink you take.  Also try as best you can to stay hydrated.

The National Cancer Institute has great site with nutrition / eating tips for before, during and after treatment.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/eatinghints/page3#3

As well as the American Cancer Society.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_6.asp?

Of course there is Ensure and Ensure Plus, Walmart has equivalent product.  You can use whole milk, milk in dry powdered milk, carnation instant breakfast powder, syrup, fruit / peanut butter, baby cereal or any other creative idea you have.  I have not used the product called "Scandi Shake" but have heard others speak of it... It has 600 calories and 12 grams of protien.  Even visiting the website, gives some great ideas you can use for some recipes for different shakes. You can probably substitue instant breakfast powder for the Scandi Shake powder.

 http://store.axcanscandipharm.com/recipes.php

For a FREE sample of SCANDISHAKE®, or to request additional information, please call (800) 4-SCANDI (800-472-2634).

You can also purchase SCANDISHAKE® directly from Axcan by calling the telephone number listed above or by visiting our Online Store.

SCANDISHAKE® is also available through your local pharmacy.

Usually your pharmacy can order in any special supplement, but doesn't carry all supplements on their shelves. When getting from your pharmacy, you just need to ask the pharmacist if they can order it. 

By the way, I am not a sales person and have no direct connection to any of these products.  These are just resources I've picked up on over the years.

Good luck with trying some new ideas.  I wish you and your dad the best in health!

Jean, RD

 

 

I am staying with Dr. June Meymand Dallas, Tx.  Since I have been here I have seen complete turn around for several severly wasting patients.  The program is the most complete in everyway possible and very specific to each patients.  Dr. June Meymand works as a team member with oncologists, surgeons, etc and handles all the nutritional aspects herself.  The doctors she works with request her to be on the team.  I would not waste time I would call. 972-661-8140. Good luck and God bless.