no appetite, need inspiration

lavender88
lavender88 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My mom was diagnosed with Stage III OvCa in June. She had already lost a lot of weight and has continued to lose weight under chemo, so she's quite underweight. She's supposed to have debulking surgery in October, but she's too weak now to do it.

We're at a loss how to inspire her to eat. She's fatigued, has no appetite, and feels full after a few bites. I think she's tired of trying and tired of people giving her suggesions, but we don't know what else to do.

I'm hoping some of you will have some words I can pass on to her that might inspire her.

Comments

  • jamilou
    jamilou Member Posts: 200
    #2
    I am sorry to hear that your mother is not doing well. It is so hard to eat when you don't have an appetite. Everyone reacts diffrently to chemo and I was the type who gained weight. My mom though always lost weight. When she didn't have an appetite she would drink Ensure milkshakes. She would blend an Ensure drink with vanilla ice cream. She was able to get her nutrients along with some high calorie ice cream. I am sure other women will be able to help with more advice. Good luck and God Bless your mom and family.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. You are being such a loving daughter and I'm sure she appreciates it. During my chemo I stayed with high quality protein powders, sometimes the protein bars (MetRx brand really got me through a lot). I would break off small bites of the protein bar and have some ice water with it, even if I didn't feel like eating. The protein powder I would use for a shake, with a little ice cream which settled my stomach too. Please try to keep up the water with your Mom, fiber is very important (try apples, maybe some raw veges, etc.). I certainly understand her disinterest with eating. Especially since the chemo gives you a funny taste in your mouth. I also had mouth sores which I used Orabase or Zilactin for.

    Please keep us informed. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

    Monika
  • lavender88
    lavender88 Member Posts: 3
    #4
    mopar said:

    I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. You are being such a loving daughter and I'm sure she appreciates it. During my chemo I stayed with high quality protein powders, sometimes the protein bars (MetRx brand really got me through a lot). I would break off small bites of the protein bar and have some ice water with it, even if I didn't feel like eating. The protein powder I would use for a shake, with a little ice cream which settled my stomach too. Please try to keep up the water with your Mom, fiber is very important (try apples, maybe some raw veges, etc.). I certainly understand her disinterest with eating. Especially since the chemo gives you a funny taste in your mouth. I also had mouth sores which I used Orabase or Zilactin for.

    Please keep us informed. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

    Monika

    Thanks for the recommendation. Is MetRx brand widely available? I've never looked at protein bars much.

    Thank you for your other suggestions too! We'll just keep trying.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #5
    lavender88 said:

    Thanks for the recommendation. Is MetRx brand widely available? I've never looked at protein bars much.

    Thank you for your other suggestions too! We'll just keep trying.

    MetRx is available just about anywhere - GNC, Meijer, Target, 7-11, etc. If you want more specific information as to which of the products to get, let me know.
    Monika
  • lavender88
    lavender88 Member Posts: 3
    #6
    mopar said:

    MetRx is available just about anywhere - GNC, Meijer, Target, 7-11, etc. If you want more specific information as to which of the products to get, let me know.
    Monika

    I'd love to get your recommendations for which products to get. It's a bewildering number of choices. Thanks!

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