Mother's CT Scan revealed cancer...any pre-treatment suggestions?

mermaid20_194

My mother has a family history of cancer of the female parts on both her mother's and father's side. Her CT Scan reveals cancer in her uterus, cervix, lungs, liver and blood vessels, but they haven't done a biopsy to pinpoint exactly what kind of cancer it is, though I have a feeling it will be uterine. She will see an oncologist on the 12th, until then, does anyone have any pre-treatment suggestions? I'm sure she's gonna have to have to go through quite a bit. I'm doing a lot of research on cleansing and diet that will strengthen her immune system so she can withstand whatever treatment she has to have. I'm afraid of the drugs and radiation that we treat cancer with and just want to find ways to be as natural as possible. I want to get some insight from someone who has already gone through all of this and knows what to expect. Any thoughts would be very helpful, thank you.

soxgirl823

lots of protein. I got my
lots of protein. I got my mom protein shakes and bars got her used to them and she did really well through her chemo.

CindyGSD

..and water
It's my understanding that nothing lands a person in the hospital faster than dehydration. So besides eating protein, have your mother drink tons of water. I've never been a huge water drinker myself, but ever since I started on chemo (third round this week), I've been pouring H20 down my throat whether I want it or not. It also flushes the chemo out of your system which I think helps alleviate many of the nasty symptoms associated with it.

As far as protein, the protein drinks are great, Ensure is actually really good, but be careful of the protein bars. I bought a huge box at Costco and I can barely tolerate them. The old standbys for protein are also good choices, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, meats, yogurt, especially greek yogurt. Nuts are also a good source of protein and fiber. I pretty much don't put anything in my mouth unless it contains protein (except for fruits, veggies & beer).

Everyone is different as it pertains to chemo and sideeffects and how our body tolerates it; hopefully your mother will be one of the lucky ones.

JoAnnDK

CindyGSD said:

..and water
It's my understanding that nothing lands a person in the hospital faster than dehydration. So besides eating protein, have your mother drink tons of water. I've never been a huge water drinker myself, but ever since I started on chemo (third round this week), I've been pouring H20 down my throat whether I want it or not. It also flushes the chemo out of your system which I think helps alleviate many of the nasty symptoms associated with it.

As far as protein, the protein drinks are great, Ensure is actually really good, but be careful of the protein bars. I bought a huge box at Costco and I can barely tolerate them. The old standbys for protein are also good choices, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, meats, yogurt, especially greek yogurt. Nuts are also a good source of protein and fiber. I pretty much don't put anything in my mouth unless it contains protein (except for fruits, veggies & beer).

Everyone is different as it pertains to chemo and sideeffects and how our body tolerates it; hopefully your mother will be one of the lucky ones.

drinking water
I never was much of a water drinker, but during chemo, and ever since, I drink large amounts. But the only way I can get it down is by using a straw. One of my nurses gave me that hint and it worked.

Best wishes.

JoAnn

HellieC

JoAnnDK said:

drinking water
I never was much of a water drinker, but during chemo, and ever since, I drink large amounts. But the only way I can get it down is by using a straw. One of my nurses gave me that hint and it worked.

Best wishes.

JoAnn

Useful tip JoAnn
Thanks for the tip, JoAnn. I need to drink more water than I do and the straw idea may help me, too. When I think back to immediately post surgery I drank water with a straw for a couple of days and seemed to get through more water then than I did when they took the straw away. Don't know why I didn't think of trying it again myself! Doh!
Thank you
Helen

norma2

Some comfy pj's and a warm
Some comfy pj's and a warm robe. Sounds simple but my kids gave me a wonderfully plush robe that I have worn through chemo and radiation. Seems like I feel cold easier than prior to treatment and the warm robe is just wonderful. Some nice slippers with no skid bottoms might be a good suggestion also.
I cleaned my house top to bottom prior to surgery, so some help there if appropriate might be a good idea. Stock up on nutritious things for her to eat. Easy to fix kinds of things.
Fresh flowers or a lovely plant would lift her spirits. I know it does mine.
And last but not least a comfortable easy chair. I lived in mine because after surgery it was better for me to sleep or snooze semi-reclined.
Her having you there for support is essential. You are a good daughter to do research such as coming to this board. We are here for you, my dear. Keeping you and your mom in my prayers. Norma

mermaid20_194

norma2 said:

Some comfy pj's and a warm
Some comfy pj's and a warm robe. Sounds simple but my kids gave me a wonderfully plush robe that I have worn through chemo and radiation. Seems like I feel cold easier than prior to treatment and the warm robe is just wonderful. Some nice slippers with no skid bottoms might be a good suggestion also.
I cleaned my house top to bottom prior to surgery, so some help there if appropriate might be a good idea. Stock up on nutritious things for her to eat. Easy to fix kinds of things.
Fresh flowers or a lovely plant would lift her spirits. I know it does mine.
And last but not least a comfortable easy chair. I lived in mine because after surgery it was better for me to sleep or snooze semi-reclined.
Her having you there for support is essential. You are a good daughter to do research such as coming to this board. We are here for you, my dear. Keeping you and your mom in my prayers. Norma

Thank you!
Thank you so much ladies! This helps a lot