Eating assistance

afretiredky
afretiredky Member Posts: 28
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Strange title, but I don't know how else to put it. I need some advice about eating during the week of chemo. So far it seems that I am barely able to eat or drink anything the days following chemo. This week alone I've lost 4lbs and I know that's not a good thing.

I do try to eat, but the problem is most things taste terrible and as I'm having so much trouble with nausea anyway, I'd much rather not eat than actually throw up. I've tried the eating every two hours route and it helps some, but again the problem is what to eat. Same with drinking...I can barely stand to sip water and I don't know what else to try.

Any thoughts/advice/sage wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

~~Terry
«1

Comments

  • PamPam2
    PamPam2 Member Posts: 370 Member
    #2
    eating
    Hi Terry
    Maybe the doctor can find you better meds for your nausea first off. They tried several things on me before found one that worked, Kytril (sp?) was the one that worked for me. Be proactive and firm with your doctor about it, there are lots of things they can try. They said high protein, high calorie when on chemo. But you have to find foods you can tolerate. For me sweets still tasted pretty good, and I could tolerate the flavored ensure type drinks. I have seen that many people here swear by melons, and that they also help with nausea. I also could eat peanut butter, and it helps as a thickener if you have diarreah. If you like lemon or lime, try squeezing that in your water, it is very very important to stay extra well hydrated when on chemo, and you will feel much better if you can keep plenty of fluids going in, I found teas soothing. Experiment with different foods, soups, I hope you can get to feeling better, that your doctor can find something to help with the nausea better.
    Pam
  • Patteee
    Patteee Member Posts: 945
    #3
    do you have any magic
    do you have any magic mouthwash? I used that to numb the taste in my mouth so I could eat a bit. Not a perfect solution but worked a bit for me.

    There were many many days, especially at the end of chemo where all I could tolerate was a boost or ensure. I would mic it till it was nice and warm and then add a bit of cinnamon on the top.
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    #4
    Patteee said:

    do you have any magic
    do you have any magic mouthwash? I used that to numb the taste in my mouth so I could eat a bit. Not a perfect solution but worked a bit for me.

    There were many many days, especially at the end of chemo where all I could tolerate was a boost or ensure. I would mic it till it was nice and warm and then add a bit of cinnamon on the top.

    Eating
    **** WATERMELON **** WATERMELON **** WATERMELON ..... it is great to flush chemo out of your body... maybe you can eat that???

    Jennie
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #5
    idlehunters said:

    Eating
    **** WATERMELON **** WATERMELON **** WATERMELON ..... it is great to flush chemo out of your body... maybe you can eat that???

    Jennie

    Picky eater
    Okay, guess I should have changed the title of this thread. I knew being a picky eater would come back to bite me one day. I can't stand watermelon...I used to make my girls chew watermelon gum far, far away from me when they were little. I do like canteloupe, so I'll give that a try.

    So far I've tried Phenergan and Zofran. I definitely didn't like the Zofran, it was worse than the Phenergan, so we will for sure have another discussion when I return. I think the dr mentioned something about Emend (sp?) that we might try next time. I'll keep that other one in mind as well.

    Today I tried to drink something cold and it felt like I was trying to swallow ice chips whole. I can't tell if I have a sore in my throat or what, but warm drinks have never appealed to me. I know, complain, complain, complain...trust me, I make me sick too. I am trying though, to eat and drink what I can, when I can even if it's just a little bit. Sugary things are okay, but they leave such a strange taste in my mouth, takes the pleasure out of eating a chocolate donut and that is truly sad. I will try the different flavored teas though.

    Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash? I got that one, but didn't notice if it made me numb. I can tell that my tongue is numb at the tip...weird sensation, but I think that's from the chemo and not the mouthwash. Of course my husband says it's from talking too much...lol.

    Thanks again,
    ~~Terry
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #6
    afretiredky said:

    Picky eater
    Okay, guess I should have changed the title of this thread. I knew being a picky eater would come back to bite me one day. I can't stand watermelon...I used to make my girls chew watermelon gum far, far away from me when they were little. I do like canteloupe, so I'll give that a try.

    So far I've tried Phenergan and Zofran. I definitely didn't like the Zofran, it was worse than the Phenergan, so we will for sure have another discussion when I return. I think the dr mentioned something about Emend (sp?) that we might try next time. I'll keep that other one in mind as well.

    Today I tried to drink something cold and it felt like I was trying to swallow ice chips whole. I can't tell if I have a sore in my throat or what, but warm drinks have never appealed to me. I know, complain, complain, complain...trust me, I make me sick too. I am trying though, to eat and drink what I can, when I can even if it's just a little bit. Sugary things are okay, but they leave such a strange taste in my mouth, takes the pleasure out of eating a chocolate donut and that is truly sad. I will try the different flavored teas though.

    Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash? I got that one, but didn't notice if it made me numb. I can tell that my tongue is numb at the tip...weird sensation, but I think that's from the chemo and not the mouthwash. Of course my husband says it's from talking too much...lol.

    Thanks again,
    ~~Terry

    Try this site
    www.cancerproject.org

    Also, if you are taking oxyiplatian (sp?), it was make you very sensitive to cold including weather, food and beverages so that could be an issue with swallowing.

    Other foods to try:

    Eggs
    Peanut butter
    Shakes
    Broth
    Soups
    Apple sauce
    Mashed potatoes
    Bananas
  • seanslove
    seanslove Member Posts: 70
    #7
    afretiredky said:

    Picky eater
    Okay, guess I should have changed the title of this thread. I knew being a picky eater would come back to bite me one day. I can't stand watermelon...I used to make my girls chew watermelon gum far, far away from me when they were little. I do like canteloupe, so I'll give that a try.

    So far I've tried Phenergan and Zofran. I definitely didn't like the Zofran, it was worse than the Phenergan, so we will for sure have another discussion when I return. I think the dr mentioned something about Emend (sp?) that we might try next time. I'll keep that other one in mind as well.

    Today I tried to drink something cold and it felt like I was trying to swallow ice chips whole. I can't tell if I have a sore in my throat or what, but warm drinks have never appealed to me. I know, complain, complain, complain...trust me, I make me sick too. I am trying though, to eat and drink what I can, when I can even if it's just a little bit. Sugary things are okay, but they leave such a strange taste in my mouth, takes the pleasure out of eating a chocolate donut and that is truly sad. I will try the different flavored teas though.

    Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash? I got that one, but didn't notice if it made me numb. I can tell that my tongue is numb at the tip...weird sensation, but I think that's from the chemo and not the mouthwash. Of course my husband says it's from talking too much...lol.

    Thanks again,
    ~~Terry

    can't eat
    Terry,

    I understand your problem as my husband is in the middle of cycle three on the FOLFOX 6 +Avistin. When he became ill in April he weighted 185,now he wights only 131 as of yesterday. He too can not eat and is a pickey eater. Worse yet,when he tries to eat anything he just this bubbley phelm that comes up and brings everything up. At times taking pills is almost impossiable. He does what started out to be a two hour push and now has turned into a four hour push as they have added more chemo agents to his regamin in short stay,then we bring home his CAD Pump with the 46 hour drip of 5Fu. Our first visit for the first cycle of chemo lasted less than five hours,now we are there from 7-8 hours each time.
    As for the anit-sick med's,we use promethazine. He tried Zolfran which only made him feel worse. Funny thing is,they nurses and doctors do not listen to this an instist on doing a push of Zolpran before the chemo,and yesterday they started with the Dex push (4 minutes),then hung a bigger bag,which I knew wasn't chemo,and upon asking I was told they increased his Zolpran amount for sickness. OH I WANTED TO SCREAM. I took the nurse outside the room and asked why she would increase what made him feel worse. She told me if it made him feel worse they just weren't giving him enough,which I replied,no your not listening this drug doesn't help him,oh yes she argued it does he just needs more. I told her then,well good thing I already gave him double the does of promethiazine at home. Oh was she ever pissed at me. Too Bad I told her,we know much better than you what works as it is his body not yours or the doctors.
    I know everyone pushes the boost and ensure drinks,but when it comes to those with already picky taste buds,chemo doesn't improve this issue,and in my husbands case,he made me try the boost and ensure drinks before him. I was honest,they both tasted like crap,and he then said,You really want me to drink what you can't?" I had to agree. Just because some can drinks them or they are good for you doens't mke it right for you. You must find what works for you and go with that plan of attack;both in food and meds. Don't let the doctors and nurses over run you,make them understand,and if you can not,or you find they are not listening just because of all the meds and stress,that you have a friend,family member,or spouse with you that will stand up to them all and make them see the light.
  • middlechild
    middlechild Member Posts: 7
    #8
    afretiredky said:

    Picky eater
    Okay, guess I should have changed the title of this thread. I knew being a picky eater would come back to bite me one day. I can't stand watermelon...I used to make my girls chew watermelon gum far, far away from me when they were little. I do like canteloupe, so I'll give that a try.

    So far I've tried Phenergan and Zofran. I definitely didn't like the Zofran, it was worse than the Phenergan, so we will for sure have another discussion when I return. I think the dr mentioned something about Emend (sp?) that we might try next time. I'll keep that other one in mind as well.

    Today I tried to drink something cold and it felt like I was trying to swallow ice chips whole. I can't tell if I have a sore in my throat or what, but warm drinks have never appealed to me. I know, complain, complain, complain...trust me, I make me sick too. I am trying though, to eat and drink what I can, when I can even if it's just a little bit. Sugary things are okay, but they leave such a strange taste in my mouth, takes the pleasure out of eating a chocolate donut and that is truly sad. I will try the different flavored teas though.

    Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash? I got that one, but didn't notice if it made me numb. I can tell that my tongue is numb at the tip...weird sensation, but I think that's from the chemo and not the mouthwash. Of course my husband says it's from talking too much...lol.

    Thanks again,
    ~~Terry

    Picky eater
    you describe symptoms that my father complaints about, but he isn't on chemo yet. He is not sure he even wants to try that. Prior to chemo, were you losing your appetite? he doesn't eat or drink and is nauseous a lot. He throws up anything he eats which is hardly anything at all. Another thing that is new is that he has phlegm a lot. I am sorry that you are also struggling, but in my parents household my mother and sister are in denial. He refused to go to his appt for the oncologist. He refuses his medication for his prostate now. I know my dad is really ill. He's lost so much weight and that makes us nervous. He is so fatigued, sleeps a lot, and when he isn't sleeping he is just sitting or in the bathroom throwing up. Im sorry to be going on and on, but need someone to talk to
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #9
    middlechild said:

    Picky eater
    you describe symptoms that my father complaints about, but he isn't on chemo yet. He is not sure he even wants to try that. Prior to chemo, were you losing your appetite? he doesn't eat or drink and is nauseous a lot. He throws up anything he eats which is hardly anything at all. Another thing that is new is that he has phlegm a lot. I am sorry that you are also struggling, but in my parents household my mother and sister are in denial. He refused to go to his appt for the oncologist. He refuses his medication for his prostate now. I know my dad is really ill. He's lost so much weight and that makes us nervous. He is so fatigued, sleeps a lot, and when he isn't sleeping he is just sitting or in the bathroom throwing up. Im sorry to be going on and on, but need someone to talk to

    A little for you both........
    OK...for afretiredky.......try Chili when you first come out of treatments the first week...The spicy overwhelms the nausea and I could actually hold that down....as far as drink, I would venture to say that part of your chemo cocktail is Oxiliplatin and if so try Sunkist Orange drink, or Ocean Spray Crangrape....has to be ambient temp because of the side effects of the oxil.....but learn to speak spanish, you'll find that Mexican food is very palatable during chemo treatments....plus you get an added benefit of learning a new language...

    middlechild.... I too watched my father suffer with stomach cancer. I could only make him comfortable as possible. Not knowing the diagnosis makes it hard to give you any fast,hard facts on which way to turn but it will at last be your fathers choice...You can only be a comfort to him but without more detail in his diagnosis its hard to give you any more routes to try.....But, we will be here to get you through it as well as help him if he decides that is what he wants....Bless you both..........
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #10
    middlechild said:

    Picky eater
    you describe symptoms that my father complaints about, but he isn't on chemo yet. He is not sure he even wants to try that. Prior to chemo, were you losing your appetite? he doesn't eat or drink and is nauseous a lot. He throws up anything he eats which is hardly anything at all. Another thing that is new is that he has phlegm a lot. I am sorry that you are also struggling, but in my parents household my mother and sister are in denial. He refused to go to his appt for the oncologist. He refuses his medication for his prostate now. I know my dad is really ill. He's lost so much weight and that makes us nervous. He is so fatigued, sleeps a lot, and when he isn't sleeping he is just sitting or in the bathroom throwing up. Im sorry to be going on and on, but need someone to talk to

    Dear middlechild
    Before chemo I didn't have much of an appetite, but that was because I was still recovering from the colon resection and the removal of my right kidney. I lost 18lbs between May and June. Not sad about that, just the method.

    I'm sorry to hear that about your dad. Sounds like he really needs to see someone. If he hasn't started on chemo and having these symptoms, sounds like his body is trying to tell him something. Even if he doesn't want to do chemo, there is still medication he can be given to help with the nausea. It could be dangerous for him to be throwing up and not being able to hold anything down. Dehydration sets in and it can cause all kinds of havoc with your body. If nothing else, have him see his primary doctor.

    I hope things work out. Feel free to ask any questions. People on this site are so friendly and helpful.

    Good luck!
    ~~Terry
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #11
    Buzzard said:

    A little for you both........
    OK...for afretiredky.......try Chili when you first come out of treatments the first week...The spicy overwhelms the nausea and I could actually hold that down....as far as drink, I would venture to say that part of your chemo cocktail is Oxiliplatin and if so try Sunkist Orange drink, or Ocean Spray Crangrape....has to be ambient temp because of the side effects of the oxil.....but learn to speak spanish, you'll find that Mexican food is very palatable during chemo treatments....plus you get an added benefit of learning a new language...

    middlechild.... I too watched my father suffer with stomach cancer. I could only make him comfortable as possible. Not knowing the diagnosis makes it hard to give you any fast,hard facts on which way to turn but it will at last be your fathers choice...You can only be a comfort to him but without more detail in his diagnosis its hard to give you any more routes to try.....But, we will be here to get you through it as well as help him if he decides that is what he wants....Bless you both..........

    Chili? Really?
    Any particular type of chili? My preference is Skyline, but I've been avoiding it because I love the hot sauce and since chemo I've noticed that anything spicy kinda burns going down. I love Ocean spray crangrape and never thought about it because I like it really cold. Room temp is hard to handle sometimes...it adds to the nausea for me. I did make two discoveries this past week. Hot Tang (yes, it is really good if you don't have it too sweet) and hot chocolate were the two things I could drink easily. I can handle Mexican as in Taco Bell or Qdoba...there aren't too many authentic Mexican places around my town....so I will give those a try.

    Thanks Buzzard for the suggestions. I will definitely give them a try next week.

    ~~Terry
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #12
    seanslove said:

    can't eat
    Terry,

    I understand your problem as my husband is in the middle of cycle three on the FOLFOX 6 +Avistin. When he became ill in April he weighted 185,now he wights only 131 as of yesterday. He too can not eat and is a pickey eater. Worse yet,when he tries to eat anything he just this bubbley phelm that comes up and brings everything up. At times taking pills is almost impossiable. He does what started out to be a two hour push and now has turned into a four hour push as they have added more chemo agents to his regamin in short stay,then we bring home his CAD Pump with the 46 hour drip of 5Fu. Our first visit for the first cycle of chemo lasted less than five hours,now we are there from 7-8 hours each time.
    As for the anit-sick med's,we use promethazine. He tried Zolfran which only made him feel worse. Funny thing is,they nurses and doctors do not listen to this an instist on doing a push of Zolpran before the chemo,and yesterday they started with the Dex push (4 minutes),then hung a bigger bag,which I knew wasn't chemo,and upon asking I was told they increased his Zolpran amount for sickness. OH I WANTED TO SCREAM. I took the nurse outside the room and asked why she would increase what made him feel worse. She told me if it made him feel worse they just weren't giving him enough,which I replied,no your not listening this drug doesn't help him,oh yes she argued it does he just needs more. I told her then,well good thing I already gave him double the does of promethiazine at home. Oh was she ever pissed at me. Too Bad I told her,we know much better than you what works as it is his body not yours or the doctors.
    I know everyone pushes the boost and ensure drinks,but when it comes to those with already picky taste buds,chemo doesn't improve this issue,and in my husbands case,he made me try the boost and ensure drinks before him. I was honest,they both tasted like crap,and he then said,You really want me to drink what you can't?" I had to agree. Just because some can drinks them or they are good for you doens't mke it right for you. You must find what works for you and go with that plan of attack;both in food and meds. Don't let the doctors and nurses over run you,make them understand,and if you can not,or you find they are not listening just because of all the meds and stress,that you have a friend,family member,or spouse with you that will stand up to them all and make them see the light.

    Seanslove
    I had asked for something different in the way of anti-nausea meds because the Phenergan made me so sleepy and shakey. But I'm with your husband, I think the Zofran does not agree with me and that's what they try to load me up with during the first hour. Now they are going to load me up with Benadryl and Ativan during this next round as well because I had a reaction to the Oxaliplatin(sp?). I'm definitely not looking forward to having it again. Also this time, because of the reaction, I didn't get to take the pump home, so all my symptoms this week are from the Oxa.

    As I said to Buzzard, I discovered that hot Tang and hot chocolate really helped with the liquids. I still tried to down water, but honestly, room temp water...blah!!!

    I haven't had any trouble with phlegm per se, but I do seem to have an extraordinary amount of sinus drainage and I'm sure that isn't helping with the nausea or the eating/drinking factor.

    The other thing I discovered was chicken and rice. My husband makes really good chicken on the stovetop, adds chicken broth and rice. It's like a soup and I can eat that in small amounts, but at least it's something. I try the graham crackers, pretzels and such, but they really don't work so well.

    Thanks!!
    ~~Terry
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #13
    nudgie said:

    Try this site
    www.cancerproject.org

    Also, if you are taking oxyiplatian (sp?), it was make you very sensitive to cold including weather, food and beverages so that could be an issue with swallowing.

    Other foods to try:

    Eggs
    Peanut butter
    Shakes
    Broth
    Soups
    Apple sauce
    Mashed potatoes
    Bananas

    Nudgie
    Thanks for the suggestions. I think you are right about the sensitivity. And you have no idea how bad I would like to have a shake (think McDonald's thick chocolate)after infusion, but again, the cold gets me. How do you drink a warm shake?

    Today is the first day since last Monday that I have been able to handle a cold drink. I think it was Craig in another post that mentioned something about Mag sulfate, but my onc said that I didn't need it. What he also said was that I was too young for neuropathy and I seem to have developed that as well....so we will have to discuss all this again next week.

    Thanks again!!
    ~~Terry
  • mommyof2kds
    mommyof2kds Member Posts: 519
    #14
    afretiredky said:

    Seanslove
    I had asked for something different in the way of anti-nausea meds because the Phenergan made me so sleepy and shakey. But I'm with your husband, I think the Zofran does not agree with me and that's what they try to load me up with during the first hour. Now they are going to load me up with Benadryl and Ativan during this next round as well because I had a reaction to the Oxaliplatin(sp?). I'm definitely not looking forward to having it again. Also this time, because of the reaction, I didn't get to take the pump home, so all my symptoms this week are from the Oxa.

    As I said to Buzzard, I discovered that hot Tang and hot chocolate really helped with the liquids. I still tried to down water, but honestly, room temp water...blah!!!

    I haven't had any trouble with phlegm per se, but I do seem to have an extraordinary amount of sinus drainage and I'm sure that isn't helping with the nausea or the eating/drinking factor.

    The other thing I discovered was chicken and rice. My husband makes really good chicken on the stovetop, adds chicken broth and rice. It's like a soup and I can eat that in small amounts, but at least it's something. I try the graham crackers, pretzels and such, but they really don't work so well.

    Thanks!!
    ~~Terry

    Neuropathy and cold
    Neuropathy and cold sensitivities are side effects of the oxal... I get doses of magnesium and calcium(I think) before and after each infusion of the oxal. my oncologist said that it helps prevent the neuropathy. I haven't had to deal with that side effect. The phararmacist told me to avoid cold things drinks etc.. for 5 days following infusion, then I find I can tollerate cold things again. The feeling of ice cubes in your throat or your throat closing is the cold sensitivity of the oxal. Also, a nausea med that worked well for me is compazine-it is a good one to take before sleep because it tends to make you tired. Hope you find something that works for you.. I am suprised that your doc told you that you were too young for the neuropathy, I am only 36, but I was well informed that it was a major side effect that alot of people suffer from... Take Care Petrina
  • snommintj
    snommintj Member Posts: 601
    #15
    afretiredky said:

    Dear middlechild
    Before chemo I didn't have much of an appetite, but that was because I was still recovering from the colon resection and the removal of my right kidney. I lost 18lbs between May and June. Not sad about that, just the method.

    I'm sorry to hear that about your dad. Sounds like he really needs to see someone. If he hasn't started on chemo and having these symptoms, sounds like his body is trying to tell him something. Even if he doesn't want to do chemo, there is still medication he can be given to help with the nausea. It could be dangerous for him to be throwing up and not being able to hold anything down. Dehydration sets in and it can cause all kinds of havoc with your body. If nothing else, have him see his primary doctor.

    I hope things work out. Feel free to ask any questions. People on this site are so friendly and helpful.

    Good luck!
    ~~Terry

    peanut butter?
    When all else fails for me, i get a spoon of peanut butter and just lick it like ice cream. It's nutritious and packed with calories, it goes down almost unnoticeably when consumed in small amounts. I know what some folks are gonna say, "that won't work for me, I'm allergic".
  • Starleen
    Starleen Member Posts: 40 Member
    #16
    Mary Jane
    It's the only thing that took away the nausea and allowed me to eat whole foods (versus Boost, etc, through a straw). It's ridiculous that it's illegal, but depending on what state you are in, you might swing a legal purchase for medicinal purposes.

    Even if you can't...I assure you it absolutely helps.

    ETA: I did have Kytril, and it helped with the nausea only. It's expensive as hell. $100 a pill. Ganja does both. I'm just saying.
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #17
    Starleen said:

    Mary Jane
    It's the only thing that took away the nausea and allowed me to eat whole foods (versus Boost, etc, through a straw). It's ridiculous that it's illegal, but depending on what state you are in, you might swing a legal purchase for medicinal purposes.

    Even if you can't...I assure you it absolutely helps.

    ETA: I did have Kytril, and it helped with the nausea only. It's expensive as hell. $100 a pill. Ganja does both. I'm just saying.

    PB and MJ
    Wonder if I could make peanut butter "brownies"? LOL....unfortunately MJ is illegal in our state. I think even for medicinal purposes. Thanks Starleen and Snommintj!

    Everyone has had such great info/advice/suggestions....and I appreciate every one of them. I will give everything a try this next round, well, except maybe the watermelon. ;-)

    Still not sure about the whole nausea thing and how to solve it medication-wise. We'll see what happens.

    Totally off the subject, but HOLY COW!!! I just got my insurance statement regarding the cost of chemo. I wonder if I could get any money from a pawnshop for the platinum coursing through my veins??

    ~~Terry
  • mommyof2kds
    mommyof2kds Member Posts: 519
    #18
    afretiredky said:

    PB and MJ
    Wonder if I could make peanut butter "brownies"? LOL....unfortunately MJ is illegal in our state. I think even for medicinal purposes. Thanks Starleen and Snommintj!

    Everyone has had such great info/advice/suggestions....and I appreciate every one of them. I will give everything a try this next round, well, except maybe the watermelon. ;-)

    Still not sure about the whole nausea thing and how to solve it medication-wise. We'll see what happens.

    Totally off the subject, but HOLY COW!!! I just got my insurance statement regarding the cost of chemo. I wonder if I could get any money from a pawnshop for the platinum coursing through my veins??

    ~~Terry

    I know about the insurance
    I know about the insurance statements heh.. Crazy. I can't believe what things cost. Thanks goodness that I have insurance, feel for those who are without it and going through this..
  • johnnybegood
    johnnybegood Member Posts: 1,117 Member
    #19
    mommyof2kds said:

    I know about the insurance
    I know about the insurance statements heh.. Crazy. I can't believe what things cost. Thanks goodness that I have insurance, feel for those who are without it and going through this..

    just my two cents
    my lowest weight during chemo was 91 lbs.i felt awful couldt stand the sight of food much less try to even eat anything.i told my onc about my appetite she prescribed a medicine called megace .i took it once a day in the morning.boy that really helped and gave me my appetite back.still couldnt taste but at least i could eat.thats my two cents worth and something you may want to look into.Godbless.....johnnybegood
  • Patteee
    Patteee Member Posts: 945
    #20
    "Thanks for the suggestions
    "Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash?"

    Yes, I think it is different. I also used a morphine rinse. Or was it lidocaine? All I know is my sister was looking at it and flipped out, "you know how much you could get on the street for this???' lol My mouth was in really bad shape. Everything I attempted to eat or drink tasted like crap. It was still an effort to eat even after numbing it. What the numbing did was give me a window of about 5-10 mins where I could eat a bit. Peanut butter, ensure or boost, room temperature applesause and room temp Welchs Grape Soda were a few things I could get eaten.
  • afretiredky
    afretiredky Member Posts: 28
    #21
    Patteee said:

    "Thanks for the suggestions
    "Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out that magic mouthwash. Is that different from the Biotene mouthwash?"

    Yes, I think it is different. I also used a morphine rinse. Or was it lidocaine? All I know is my sister was looking at it and flipped out, "you know how much you could get on the street for this???' lol My mouth was in really bad shape. Everything I attempted to eat or drink tasted like crap. It was still an effort to eat even after numbing it. What the numbing did was give me a window of about 5-10 mins where I could eat a bit. Peanut butter, ensure or boost, room temperature applesause and room temp Welchs Grape Soda were a few things I could get eaten.

    DQ Blizzards
    I will ask the dr about the magic mouthwash Monday. I still think I may have had a sore in my throat, but it feels better now.

    Applesauce and graham crackers have been my staples so far. I'll try some of the other suggested foods this next time.

    Last night, because I have been able to eat the last 3 days, we decided to get DQ Thin Mint Blizzards. Yum, my favorite. I could only eat about 1/2 and something just didn't feel right, so I quit and tossed it out. Within about 5 minutes I noticed my lips were tingling and my tongue felt funny. I went to say something to my daughter and I couldn't form words properly. My tongue felt like it had swollen up. After looking at it in the mirror, I could tell that it was indeed swollen...quite thick too, just the front half. My older daughter suggested I drink something hot and maybe it would reverse the effects. Weird, but I drank some hot Tang and about 15 minutes later my tongue was back to normal. All I could do was laugh about the whole thing. Guess I won't be doing anymore blizzards until chemo is completely over.

    So, if that happened with a blizzard, I'm wondering if it might happen with a milkshake?

    ~~Terry

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