Hi Carolynn -- While I have heard lots about 'sugar feeding cancer' the problem you have is that he is losing so much weight so quickly - not what he should or shouldn't be eating! I remember two dietitians arguing over me in a hospital bed - one was a diabetic dietitian the other was from oncology. Eventually the one from oncology looked at the other and clearly stated: "She's not dying from diabeties!" Basically I was advised to eat whatever took my fancy - the focus was to regain as much as possible, which I understand is not an easy task!
I am presuming that he is not eating very much - is that the case? I lost 50kg over 3 months and ended up in hospice - the outlook was that I was dying. But my husband began a fight, by enticing me with any and everything he could find.He would bring me ice cream, chocolate, sweets of all kinds, vegies, meat, soup, smoothies -- anything I had ever enjoyed, he found it again and tried! And because of my love for him, knowing how much trouble he was going through to try to help, I tried to eat, even if it was only one mouthful with the rest being thrown out -- and very gradually my appitite returned so that I have actually regained 20kg and am maintaining it, 18 months later! No special diet, no avoiding anything, trying everything! And I took a bite, knowing that I would probably projectile vomit what I had just put in my mouth - but we kept trying! Our feeling is now that it is important to have 'extra' weight, because if I hadn't had it to lose then I wouldn't be here now. So, regaining and maintaining is high on our priority list for survival strategies.
My message to you Carolynn, despite the rambling, is: please don't worry at this stage about what is 'right' or 'proper' for him to eat right now- just try to encourage him with whatever appeals to him now. Later, you can focus on the cancer diet you may be looking for, but right now help him to stop losing, stablising, and gradually regaining and maintaining his weight with any appealing food he would like. Best wishes to you all, Cath