Caring

October 16, 2009

Platelets and reduction

Filed under: Info — dave @ 3:23 pm

Mom’s platelets are low, so she got a reduced-dose chemotherapy session.  They reduced the dosage by 25 percent.

Today is different than last week.  Although mom says she’s been down a good part of the week, she seems more focused today than last week, and less “confusable”.

She said during the treatment that the machine sounds like a time-bomb counting down, and I can’t help but think how apt that description is.  The chemo is poison, sort of a ‘bomb’ in a timed dose.  It’s slowly exploding her body, and hopefully killing off the tumor cells a little quicker than the “good stuff”.

She FINALLY got an appointment to see a dietician … for the 9th of NOVEMBER, for cryin’ out loud.  Not really gonna help when she needs advice now.

We need some advice on what to get mom to eat.  It needs to sound “good” (as in tasty), or mom will likely not want to eat it, and that’s no good.  Anyone?

October 9, 2009

Cancer Nutrition guidance from NCI

Filed under: Info,National Cancer Institute — dave @ 7:23 am

National Cancer Institute nutrition guidance

Again, a few quotes:

Anorexia and cachexia are common causes of malnutrition in cancer patients.

Anorexia (the loss of appetite or desire to eat) is a common symptom in people with cancer. Anorexia may occur early in the disease or later, when the tumor grows and spreads. Some patients may have anorexia when they are diagnosed with cancer. Almost all patients who have widespread cancer will develop anorexia. Anorexia is the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients.

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that causes weakness and a loss of weight, fat, and muscle. It commonly occurs in patients with tumors of the lung, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract and less often in patients with breast cancer or lower gastrointestinal cancer. Anorexia and cachexia often occur together. Weight loss can be caused by eating fewer calories, using more calories, or a combination of the two. Cancer cachexia is not the same as starvation. A healthy person’s body can adjust to starvation by slowing down its use of nutrients, but in cancer patients, the body does not make this adjustment.

Malnutrition (lack of key nutrients) can result, causing the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to resist infections or withstand cancer therapies. Eating too little protein and calories is the most common nutrition problem facing many cancer patients. Protein and calories are important for healing, fighting infection, and providing energy.

Being well-nourished has been linked to a better prognosis (chance of recovery).

Mom, these quotes are meant to be motivational, not to make you feel bad.  We want you to have a fighting chance.

Cancer Nutrition guidance from the ACS

Filed under: American Cancer Society,Info — dave @ 7:06 am

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!

October 7, 2009

Quick note

Filed under: Info — dave @ 10:43 am

At the bottom of each post there will be a “Subscribe/Follow” button. When you hover or click on this button, you’ll get a small form to input your email address, and a few checkboxes for the type of notifications you want. Type in your email address then, unless you know what RSS is, uncheck the RSS and WebSlices boxes. Then click the “Update me when site is updated” button.

You’ll get another little form to input your password. You can just make any password, but remember it. I use a really simple word.

From then on, you’ll get emails when someone posts.

I hope.

September 22, 2009

Bitterness? No, thanks.

Filed under: American Cancer Society,Info,Light — Tags: — dave @ 3:10 pm

I am still … angry? upset? … over this cancer situation with mom, but it’s leveling off.

I know it worries mom when I’m like this. Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll survive. I’ll get over it. Just for now though, let me be angry on your behalf.

… and already the anger is fading. I really want to be the same person I’ve always been for mom. After all, the only change for me is that now, I have a chance to really help mom and dad through some difficult times, just like they’ve helped me with these past (almost) 48 years.

I’ve been doing some reading at the American Cancer Society website, mostly about the emotional / family aspects of cancer. They have a lot of really good stuff; I’m going to list a few links here that I thought were really helpful:

When Someone You Know has Cancer
How to Care for a Loved One With Cancer – And Yourself
Talking with Friends and Relatives About Your Cancer
Listen with Your Heart: Talking With the Person Who Has Cancer

There are lots of others, but those should get you going.

Also, a humorous and kinda naughty look at cancer, written by a British gent: LIVING with cancer – this is a blog entry; he eventually wrote a book, you’ll see the link on his page. Looks to me like a good book.

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