On 7/27/2007
sandra13 wrote:
My dad had a whipple for pancreatic cancer in June. He will begin chemo shortly. I was just wondering from all of you out there, is there anything you found helpful in preparing the body for the chemo.
I know weight gain for PC patients is a plus. the drs. we have talked to have just said to have him gain weight. I was just wondering if any of you out there found certain foods or supplements to prepare the body for this upcoming battle.
Thanks so much
Sandi
Hi Sandi
My husband had his whipple in April and started the end of June. His surgeon recommend pancreatic enzyme, which he had been taking until recently. We will speak with his oncologist this week to see if should continue.
He was taking a multi-vitamin and a cholesterol pill before the surgery, so he can continue. It was suggested not to take any new supplements, (vitamin E or herbs or ?). He had lost about 25 lbs and wants to keep it off. He has been told to have low fat (because of the 30% loss of the pancreas), high fiber and to keep eating, so as not to lose his appetite. He will try to eat several small meals a day... and drink lots of water.
Stay away from high sodium (did have canned chili, tho). His feel / ankles swelled, due to a reaction to the Gemzar. He takes a anti-nausea pill.
He started radiation and oral chemo last week (10 radiations). His swelling went down, 99%, and can now where his tied shoes. Keeping his feet elevated, alcohol rubs and low sodium, helped alot.
He sleeps ok, but has nite sweats. At the beginning of this month, he had a high fever and was hospitalized... some "kinda infection" and was given anit-biotics. Would feel chilled ( I think the weight-loss is part of this).
He does get tired in the morning and will try to take a nap for about 30 min -1 hr each day, before going to radiation in the afternoon. He is not working.
I hope this helps. But as it's been said, everyone's body reacts differently. It will be important for your dad to start to "listen" to his body and to realize that he should call his doctor and not self-diagnose if something should happen.
Keep in touch. We are all in this together!
Carol