chemotherapy and diet

[lhansmann]

My Father has small cell lung cancer. He is 64 and he is taking chemo. The tumor is actually responding really well to the chemo but I have a couple questions about his diet right now as this is my main concern because he is weak and has no appetite. I am overwhelmed with what he should eat and what he should avoid and have a hard time getting someone to tell me the answers. The doctors have stated right after chemo, there is a down period...where his immune system is low and he has no white blood cells. He should avoid any foods that would possibly give him bacteria. I need to know is there any info that I can get that tells me exactly what he cannot have Ex: Sugars, sweets, potatoes, etc...Also is it just the "down time" he has to avoid these foods or when his immune system and white blood cells start rising again, then can he start having some of these foods again...Thanks for any info you can give or direct me in the direction I need to go and find out. Thanks Again

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Someone undergoing chemotherapy needs all the energy he can muster to facilitate recovery (shorten the "down time") and make him ready for the next cycle.  Some would say to avoid uncooked foods (sushi, fresh vegies, etc) during between chemotherapy sessions since these foods may harbor organisms that the weakened immune system will not be able to handle.  Fats also are controversial, since it may not have an effect on the cancer itself, but lots of such can make you susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic disorders.

I suggest that you arrange a consult with a dietician to advise him on the right diet and the different forms of diet as well (diet formulas, milks, etc).

Hope this helps.  Regards and God bless.

[Lindonna]

My father, 65,  is having small cell lung cancer, with lymph node, liver and bone metastases. Awaiting his 4th chemo, he is in a very good condition. He walks, he has sufficient appetite and his chest pain, back pain, cough, blood in the sputum, and shortness of breath are gone.

We give him Cordiceps, Nutritional Shake and fibre tables from Herbalife, and Protein and Salmon Omega from Amway.

Hope this info can be useful.

[christin1166]

Hi, my father also has small cell lung cancer that has spread to his liver, lymph node, and bone as well. He is in his second line chemotherapy treatment, it has been 7 month since he was diagnosed with this conditions. He has finished his 1st line chemo in March at that time the cancer was responded very well with the chemo but it was relapse and his CEA up again. His appetite is very good we give him vitamin and megace for his appetite (prescriptions only). You may ask your Dr about Megace to increase appetite. I hope this help. Cheers!