Nutrition and diet limitations...

Hi all:

Friend of friends is going thru gallbladder cancer and is now into her second round of chemo.

Her appetitie is way down and she's also having some mouth pain with swallowing issues. No doubt there's a loss of appetite as well.

Here's the limitations - she needs to avoid dairy (milk) products and also any liquid supplements heavy on fiber.

I've recommended Almond or Soy Milks, Soy Ice Cream, vegetable based proteins, etc. Eggs are good and possibly getting some meat based soups that they can blend and puree.

Although she's being treated for gallbladder cancer, this group is the one that endures the most nutrition issues due to eating issues. So any additional suggestions you can make would be most welcome.

Thanks for listening!

- Jeff

Hi Jeff

I used to use eggs a lot when I was going through treatment.  Omellettes can come in all varieties and I used to add vegetables to mine sometimes.  Soup is a great one as you can add pasta for carbs and pretty much make a complete meal and it can then be pureed to make it easier to go down.  I am wondering if anyone in the gall bladder cancer bit could make more suggestions? 

How are things going for you?  Are you still diving?

Julie

Soy causes cancer. Check out 25 years of ongoing  research.

Jeff,

At this point I reallly wouldn't worry about any food that might "cause" cancer.  After all, its very well documented that radiation can cause cancer, but a lot of us would not be here due to cancer if not for radiation treatment.

I would recommend quinoa, a seed that cooks like rice, goes down easier because it's smaller, and contains complete proteins.  Fruit ices and juice bars can be soothing if she can tolerate the fruit.  Pureed soups, like split pea and bean are a great source of protein too.  And smoothie are wonderful.  I used yogurt in mine, but there are lots of recipes available online that use other ingredients.

I was on a feeding tube, using a fiberless formula that can also be taken by mouth, so that might be something to look into.  

Susan

Hi Susan

A great reply to the discussion on your behalf.  :)  I also wouldn't worry about foods that "supposedly" cause cancer either.  I have seen a lot of recipes of late with quinoa but haven't tried it personally.  I was having chia seeds with my cereal, although didn't really notice a heck of a lot of difference so discontinued it. 

Thanks

Julie

Hey all:

Much appreciate the suggestions - thanks also for mentioning quinoa. The problem originally mentioned to me precluded the use of any fiber bearing foods - which I felt was odd under the circumstances (diarrhea). But I went with what was asked...

No - at the point not worried about foods causing cancer although I appreciate the comment. Right now it's getting this woman some proper nutrition and hydration while she's getting some rough side effects from chemo.

She ended up on IVs at the local hospital so hopefully some further help will be coming. Always an adventure...

Jules - completed my last "dive" about a week and a half ago. 40 sessions total over 7 weeks - upped it to 6X a week from 5X a week to get it done with quicker. May have to return for future rounds in the fall - we'll see after next scan...

For those curious - the above is about hyperbaric treatment...may post a bit about it separately...

- Jeff

You've asked for *more* foods to add to the foods you intend to add to your friend's diet. The ones you intend to add are harmful plant-based proteins and sugars. Not that it would do any good, because you are going to pass along what you intend to pass along, and trashcan the rest. But ....... She needs red meat and lots of animal fat .....butter is GREAT. She needs non-legume veggies. She needs to supplement with vitamin C. Drop everything which tastes sweet including fruit, ALL grassy grains, legumes and nightshades. You're welcome.

Hey Jeff

I hope your friend manages to get some help and that they can make things a bit more comfortable for her.  Chemo is a tough journey at times for people.  I am sure the iv's have helped her feel a little better at least.  "Always an adventure", what a great way to put it.  :)

GLad you finished your dives and I hope they have helped you.  It is great that these things are available to help us recover from our treatments and yet it is another invasion into our lives which creates mixed emotions.  Grateful for the invasion and yet wishing we didn't have to have it. 

Would love to read more about your experience if you don't mind sharing.  It is most likely something I will have to have in the future. 

Take care

Julie

Just a note to all  ... my posts are my opinion and that only and if it fits into your way of thinking by all means adopt it.  If not then just toss it aside as I do with information that "I" do not believe in!

Regards

Julie

Completely agree, Jules. What we provide here are suggestions, guidance, and experience we've gained as patients and caregivers. We offer those things that worked for us in the hopes that it might work for someone else.

It can be frustrating when someone appears not to be listening - but all opinions, facts and solutions must be offered without coercion or insult.

I always appreciated your good guidance, Jules. Please don't ever stop offering it!

- Jeff