Weight Loss

My dad has had inoperable NSC lung for over a year. They had given him less than 2 months. He's been on Kim D's book for that whole time and taking lots of supplements including a protein shake several times a day to keep weight on. He is doing okay, not in remission but up and around and able to care for himself. Our concern is his weight. He's not really losing but he really has no more he can lose. He's basically skin and bone but still feels well, not in pain. With the lung cancer (big lung was enclosed to close in large tumor) he can't eat very much as the fullness in his stomach makes it hard to breathe. Not sure what to do now. He takes MGN3, IP6, Inositol and myriad of other vitamins that my mom and get into him, along with the protein shakes. He basically needs as much nutrition as he can get with the least amount of volume. Please offer any suggestions. Kathy

Hi,
When my father was diagnosed St. III (colon cancer) in 1998, I also put him on protein shakes, along with vitamins in addition to his chemo. He actually gained weight.

Not sure what kind of protein you have your father on, but check the label & see how many grams of protein are in each shake.

The brand I put my father on is called MetRx. I have absolutely no connection with this company. I just found it to be the best nutrition wise. My Dad is a diabetic so I needed something without added sugar.

MetRx delivers 38 grams of whey protein in each shake when mixed with water. Mix it with skim milk and you just upped the protein by another 16 grams. Plus it's loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Body builders typically use this product.

I bought it at my local CVS store. But you can find it at GNC and other health food stores. It comes in premeasured pouches of 12 shakes in a box for about $27.
I mix Dad's shake in a blender at night, put it in the fridge for his breakfast. It continues to thicken & he says it tastes just like a rich thick Chocolate shake.

I hope this helps. May God bless you and your family.
Miss Kate

I checked the stuff I was giving him and it was only about 21 of protein. What a dumbo. I should have checked before. I didn't realize there would be that much of a diff. Like most things with cancer, it seems we're learning as we go because the doctor does absolutely no good. If he'd listened to them, he would have been dead a year ago.

Let me know if I can help you with any other info. My Dad goes back for his chemo treatment tomorrow. So far - only minimal side effects. Of course we've only had two treatments.

May God bless you and your family,
Katie

Kathy -
Forgot to tell you - if you mix the MetRx with whole milk or 2%, you've just upped the calories that much more!

Take care,
Katie

Hi there,
I am new at this cancer stuff but I was in the hospital for three weeks lost a lot of weight and now trying to gain some back and to help me I am taking this special drink that is for cancer patients. It is called ProSure. It is like a protein drink. It is shown to promote weight gain in people with cancer. When I started using it, it was not in stores yet; we had to get it off the net. A little expensive but I would try anything. It is from the makers of Ensure. On the can it says it has a unique blend of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and 27 vitamins and minerals. A clinical study among people with cancer showed the drinking two cans of ProSure a day as part of overall care: Promote weight gain, helped build muscle, Improve quality of life, Increased physical activity, and increased strength in those who gained weight. Hope this helps, prayers are with you. I will be going for third chemo on July 1st and so far gained about 4 to 6 pounds so far.