CancerCompass message board discussion started by Nutrition on 12/10/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,8214,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer, Nov 22. The doctor said that with out chemo he only has 3-4 months, and with chemo 10 - 12 months. During the past three weeks they have drained on both occasions approximately 6 litres of liquid from him. He feels a great deal better after the drainings. He can breath a lot easier and is able to hold down food. My question, and would appreciate any feedback, is what should he be eating in order to maintain his strenght. Does anyone suggest any supplements. After he does eat sometimes has trouble keeping his food down. I have seen an outgoing, energetic person change to someone who has lost a great deal of weight and is constantly tired. I don't know what to do to help him. I fell very helpless.If anyone has any information that they can share I would appreciate it.  Nutrition Sun, 10 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT I know from personal experience how distressing this is for both of you.  The oncologist initially told my husband to eat as much protein as possible and suggested this may prevent the fluid accumulating quite so quickly. Another time we were told food rich in potassium e.g. bananas would be beneficial.Also, we were advised that a high intake of calories would help keep his strength up - "eat as much junk food as you can", so after the chemotherapy when he regained a little of his appetite, he drank energy drinks, ate doughnuts, chocolate bars, crisps Hope this helps - the oedema is very frightening, we'd never heard of it before. Chelle Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT