American Cancer Society nutrition guide for cancer patients
A few quotes from this section of the ACS website:
Fatigue (tiredness or lack of energy) is very common during chemotherapy. Unless you are given other instructions, eat a balanced diet that includes protein (meat, milk, eggs, and beans, lentils, and other legumes) to help boost your energy.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if side effects make it hard to eat. Try eating small, frequent meals or snacks. Go easy on fried or greasy foods. These can be hard to digest. On days when you are feeling well and your appetite is good, try to eat regular meals and snacks. Be sure to drink plenty of water or liquids (eight to ten 8-oz glasses) each day.
- Make the most of days when you are feeling well and your appetite is good.
- Keep nutritious foods and drinks handy, so they’re ready when you feel like eating.
- Eat small, frequent meals and snacks every 1 to 2 hours. If eating a whole sandwich seems like too much, for example, try eating it in quarters throughout the day.
- Eat high-protein, high-calorie foods.
- Avoid liquids with meals (unless needed to help with dry mouth and swallowing) to keep from feeling full early.
- Avoid the smell of foods while they are being prepared.
- Eat the foods you like most.
- Eat with others and at a table if possible. Make eating as much of a pleasure as you can; removing medical equipment and supplies may help improve appetite.
- If you can, try some type of activity before meals to help increase appetite.
- Don’t force yourself to eat.
- Try to maintain your present weight, but don’t feel pressured to regain weight if you have already lost some.
- Drink enough fluids to help keep your bowels moving regularly. If constipation is a problem, ask your doctor or hospice team to recommend stool softeners or laxatives, especially if you are taking medicine for pain.
No specific food advice in there but we can figure that out. High-calorie and high-protein seem to be emphasized.
Love ya, mom!