Right side tonsil cancer spread to 2 right lymph nodes
Hi there,
I have been reading all the current discussions, and I wasn't sure whether to start a new one or piggy back one that has already been started (which I felt weird about). So here I am.
I am 52 years old and discovered a lump in my neck in mid June. Fast forward to today-I have had 2 ultrasounds, a biopsy of the lymph nodes, a CT scan, a Pet scan (which showed no spread other than what we already knew), and surgery. I had a radical tonsillectomy and neck dissection on July 25th which has been horribly painful to the point I can't eat much or swallow very well. It is starting getting better though.
The pathology report showed positive margins and the surgeon said I am going to have to have another surgery in 2-4 weeks to remove more of the tissue on the right side. I could just cry. All of the pain I have experienced over the last week is from the right tonsil being removed and I'm going to have to go through it again 😕
He said that with the surgery I won't have to do chemo, "just" radiation but I am starting to wonder if it was such a bargain after all. I also feel that I am being under prescribed pain medication. I can take 6 Norco's a day and I have to take 2 before I go to bed to be able to sleep "mostly" through until the morning and then 2 in the morning because the pain is awful. That leaves me 2 to get through the day. Believe me, I don't want to become addicted but I am so tired of being in pain all the time.
Does anybody have any experience with this?
Shari
Comments
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Shari,
Well, my whole experience started with a lump in my neck. I'm very sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and that you have to go through treatment.
In my opinion, "just" radiation sounds very positive. I personally handled radiation like an average sunburn - but everyone is different. (Chemo, for me - was much worse.)
If it makes you feel any better, the tonsillectomy I got, may have been the most painful part of my whole experience...
Take good care of your skin; use the lotions they recommend. Keep a positive outlook - if possible; you WILL get through this!
(After your throat stops hurting and before you start radiation - EAT a lot of your favorite foods. Eating may become a challenge for a while, and you will lose the weight ... trust me...)
I wish you the best possible outcome!
MG
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Thank you MG. It's nice to know I'm not the only one that has experienced this tonsillectomy pain (although I'm sorry anyone has to go through it). It's in my jaw a little and my ears a lot, aside from the tonsil area. Unfortunately, most of the day I can't eat much so I think I'm going to have my husband pick up some Ensure for me. I'm on day 7 and it is getting better slowly.
I really appreciate your opinion on radiation vs chemo; it gives me some hope that surgery was indeed the right decision for me. I just hate that he has to go back in.
Shari
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I had a 6 hour radical neck dissection that included a tonsil removed, 27 (i think) lymph nodes removed, sliver of my tongue removed, soft palate removed and reconstructed and epiglottis removed so mine was "technically" worse than yours I am assuming. I don't tell you that for any reason other than I started feeling much better around the 8th day. I had surgery on 11/18/20 and I was able to eat mash potatoes, gravy and very soft (gravy soaked) stuffing/dressing for Thanksgiving on 11/26 so HANG IN THERE!!!!! I was kept in the hospital for 4 nights after my surgery with feeding tube, blood drains, etc... so I understand the pain but you will get through it!!!!!
Also, keep us posted when radiation starts as we have been there and can help with that as well. I felt like knowing others were in the same boat really helped me and I was so appreciative of the messages throughout! You got this!
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Oh geez, you definitely had it worse! They only had to remove 23 of my lymph nodes and the only two that were cancerous were the two we already knew about. I didn't have any muscles or nerves injured in surgery, so I do feel pretty lucky (not sure lucky is quite the right word) about that.
I will post when I start radiation; I can already feel the positive vibes coming from this board and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Things are a little scrambled now that I have to have another surgery so I'm not sure when they will want to start it.
Shari
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Shari,
Tonsillectomies are much easier ... if one is still a kid. (I was NOT, when I got mine...Lol)
Radiation is like a sunburn. It gets progressively worse, while you're getting it (even a week or two after you finish).
However, if you take good care of your skin, with the recommended lotions, you'll find you should heal up pretty quickly, afterwards. I recall being amazed at how soon after treatment, my neck looked normal, again.)
I feel for anyone who gets this news, and has to go through all of it. But, it's better than the alternative.
I hear from people on here all the time, who are years out of treatment, and doing fine. It does change your outlook on life - but oddly enough, in good ways!
You strike me as a very strong, positive woman - and I have a feeling you will get through all this, and then help others!
Curt
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Hello Shari and welcome to the CSN H&N forum, of course, the place we would rather not be, but it is a great help for us all. So sorry you are going through this and yes the pain can be difficult to deal with among other things. I understand from reading many posts over the tears that a tonsillectomy operation is one of the most painful and difficult operations to handle as far as pain mostly I think but it may also be overall effects. And on top of that being an adult they say is much worse as say a child getting one for some reason.
I am not a medical person by any means, these are just my ideas and opinions.
I am wondering why they couldn't just get enough of the cancer the first time and just be able to mop up errant cancer cells with chemo and radiation. I had a small spot on my tongue and my ENT said during the operation he would remove what he thought was the necessary amount of tissue and send it to the lab and they would check it right away and if there was still cancer there he would take a little more and when the lab told him he had clear margins, no cancer cells seen, he quit and sewed me up. By the way, your tongue looks odd after being operated on and having stitches in it. So I would be under the impression that an operation you had could be done the same way, checking for clear margins and stopping once they had them thus only going in one time. I understand every situation is different so you may want to ask.
Very many H&N situations these days are handled with chemo and radiation exclusively. But in cases of operating then chemo and radiation are then used as a follow-up to mop up errant cancer and cells in the area that can't be seen.
If you can ask your doctor about the option of chemo and rads rather than the second operation as an option weighing the risks and benefits. There are leftover effects from both so there are some not-so-good effects from both treatments but they get rid of cancer and some people only get mild after effects to deal with. Again every case, each person is different.
And if you are really unsure and feel comfortable doing it get a second opinion from another doctor if possible. I know this is hard to consider mid-treatment, but an option.
As MG said before starting radiation if you are not carrying some weight now, pile it on, you may need it. Do it just in case. Each case is different on here but most pose difficulties eating during treatment. Also as a drink to consider is Boost VHC (Very High Calorie). I never found it on the shelf in stores only regular boost so I bought it online on eBay, but it is available many places online. I will post recipes below for weight gain.
But let me just say as far as pain no one going through this horrific treatment should be limited in their pain medications or not have their pain kept to as minimum as possible. Your doctors should respond to your needs and be sure you have enough and are pain-free as much as possible, we suffer with enough else through this.
Also, let me say that if you are having steady regular pain with this you have to stay ahead of the pain and keep it under control. That means if you have constant pain don't wait to take meds when it is bad or you start to feel it again, get on a regular schedule of say taking pain meds every 4 hours, or 6 hours, or whatever works for your particular situation, these days Fentynol patches are available and many other meds. And if your prescription is not enough for a schedule then call your doctor's office, often if necessary till they address your situation.
Just because there is an addiction crisis in the United States is not your fault or mine and I think recently it seems like some docs are holding back in response to it. Can't say for sure.
Wishing You the Best
Take Care God Bless-Russ
Recipes for smoothies, etc, are below.
Shari Welcome
To the forum glad to have you. I too ended having a small nodule on my lung and liver but they are just being watched for now and I believe unless they start growing nothing will be done. My sister had one for years they were watching and it finally started increasing in size and I believe they used a cyberknife on it and it is gone. I would imagine your case is similar with a watch and see approach.
The 2 times I had substantial treatment for cancer I had a feeding tube and both times when it was finished it took a while to gain the weight back. I think now I am pushing to be a bit overweight but I found through my experience it is good to have a little reserve. To gain weight, for now, don't worry about any certain I recommend eating food that has a substantial amount of calories and or fat also. Like bacon and eggs, or sausage and eggs and or pancakes, waffles, etc. with lots of butter and syrup. Cheeses are good to add also such as cheese topping on a bowl of chili. Also after my last bout out of the hospital, I had lost a good bit of weight also and had a bit of trouble putting it back on so I purchased Boost VHC (Very High Calorie) and was drinking one in the morning with breakfast including trying to eat at least 3 meals a day of some size. This boost is 530 calories per 8 ounces serving and you can drink more than one a day till your weight picks up. This is a quick easy drink to pack in 530 calories. Usually, the Boost VHC is mostly available online unless you can find it locally mostly regular boost is in the stores. Here is a link showing the product made by Nestle https://www.nestlenutritionstore.com/boost-very-high-calorie.html I bought it by the case on eBay but you can buy it online in many places like Walmart online etc.
Also eat a bunch of snacks like candy, cupcakes, peanut butter crackers, etc. you can fit one in anytime your sittin around. Also, nuts like peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc. have a lot of calories and are even good for ya.
Also here is a weight gain recipe that 2 ladies shared that I found a long time ago related to cancer and gaining weight afterward--
Deb,
So sorry I’ve taken so long to get that receipe for your dad! I checked with our nurses and here it is:
1 box (3.4oz) of instant pudding
3/4 cup half & half cream
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of carnation evaporated milk (use canned not powdered etc.)
Mix together in a bowl then mix with a mixer for one minute until it begins to thicken. This receipe makes 4 servings. We use it to help individual’s we serve who are under weight to assist in gaining weight. As you can see…it is very rich and full of calories etc. Let us know how your dad is doing!
Karen
These Recipes and Tips Are From Debbiel0 on CSN H&N Section
And here is another communication shared recently with me by a lady on this forum concerning weight gain after cancer treatment and I am sure she would be glad if I would share it--
- Coffee cream ( 18%) 1 cup 480 calories
- Coconut milk 1/3 cup 150 calories
- Greek style yogurt 1 cup 270 cal
- 2 tbsp Ground Flax seed 100 cal
- 3 tbsp Hemp Hearts 170 cal
- 1 tsp nut butter 100 cal
- 1 tsp honey 100 cal
- banana 80 cal.
I would mix all of the above into a shake for my husband. It makes about 3 - 3 1/2 cups and 1300 calories.. he would sip on it all day. Then we would make him soft eggs or oatmeal to top off the calories for the day. Jello or pudding and ice cream are also another easy foods to slide down.
Using coffee cream when making soups, or sauces, cooking oatmeal in it, using it for puddings. Is an easy way to boost calorie intake. The Hemp Hearts and ground Flax can be expensive. If you have access to Costco, they are reasonably priced there. ( at least in canada that is the way it is)
Use honey as much as you can in tea or coffee, or just in warm water.
I think the best advice I got from our nutritionist was to think outside the box and add cream or greek yogurt to what ever you can think of. Throw in a couple of tbsps of flax or hemp seeds to soups, your boost, hot cereal cooked in heavy cream. Mashed potatoes with heavy cream and lots of gooey gravy is always good too.
Hope some of these ideas help. Another well balanced change from boost is Soylent. I cant remember the calorie count, but it is a very good meal replacement.
I know I am kind of rambling... but hope some of these ideas help, or at least give you a variety. It is hard to get excited for a meal that is same as the last one!
Split pea soup and baked beans with honey are great for calories..
The flaxseed and hemo hearts dont change the taste all that much..just a way to sneak another 100 calories in. I had never ventured into that type of food either. My daughter in law is super healthy, and introduced me ( young ones, ya know!)
Almond butter or cashew butter is just another alternative to peanut butter. Change up the taste a bit.
I have a long list if food allergies, no dairy, no cheese, no chocolate, so finding calories was really tough for me. Example, geek yogurt can be up to 270 cal, my non dairy yogurt is 60 calories. So, when my husband was going thru his treatment it was actually fun for me to keep finding new things to make for him. Cheese is another good source of calories, melt it and add it to soup, potatoes.
Take care Russ. Maybe sit down and try to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream!
Also Here Are A Few More Postings For Weight Gain From The Forum
Flyinhigh says:
High calorie
I use a powdered mix from GNC called 1340. If you followed their mixing instructions and used 4 large scoops with water and you supposedly get 1340 calories. I mix it half or third strength with 12 oz. of milk and figure I get 500-600 calories, plus a lot of protein. You can try this and if you don't like it or can't tolerate it GNC will take it back and refund your money. It comes in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry(my favorite).
Grandmax4 says:
calorie
I used a drink called Scandishake, bought it through Amazon. It's really good, can't remember the calorie and protein, I made it with crushed ice and milk in a blender, delicious
Drivingdaisy says:
Drinks
Only drank Orgain, organic and small amount of natural sugar. Decided no more chemicals in My body. I just poured it in My feeding tube. I still drink it but the plant based. Became lactose intolerant. Good stuff. I'm more of a naturalists but to each their own. Going on 4 yrs NED, so did something right.
Suzj says:
if you want to mix it up..
If you get the urge to mix it up, go with a high Protein Boost, mixed with a carnation instant breakfast, and a few scoops of Ice Cream - that'll up your calories
In Closing:
I too and most folks on here had trouble swallowing and getting some foods down but it will come just be patient but for now eat what goes down easiest with a high calorie count. You may have to add liquid as you eat whatever you prefer. Try donuts and coffee. Eat in small bites and be patient. With my 2 cancers and 2 radiations to this day, I am thankful I can still eat but it is just a slower process. but in your case, it will probably come back completely. get with your speech therapist and do your swallowing exercises. I assume you have had contact with a speech therapist on this journey because most of us have it is standard procedure in this Head & Neck cancer game. if not contact your doc and get one assigned to you.
Lastly I highly recommend that you Do Not have your PEG removed until you can have a stable weight or have some slight gain in weight going on but it is your choice. I know after my first cancer they would not remove my PEG tube until I could maintain a stable weight for 2 weeks.
Be patient and Eat, Eat, Eat.
I hope some of this rambling helps you in some way-Wishing You The Best-Take Care-God Bless-Russ
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Thanks Curt,
This whole thing has been like a whirlwind; one day I was healthy and the next I wasn't. It all happened so quick, I almost didn't have time to let it sink in.
And yes, hopefully someday I will be able to help others, the way that you all are helping me.
Shari
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Hi Russ,
You brought up some really good points. I have my follow up with the ENT/Surgeon on Thursday and I am starting a list of questions so I will be adding a couple more based on your post.
So during your surgery, they actually sent out the tissue samples right then? That is definitely going to be one of my questions to him. Nobody had any idea until the full pathology report came back from the lab.
The other question is regarding mopping them up with radiation instead of going back in and taking more tissue out. I was already going to ask him how he knows how much tissue to remove this time. I really, really don't want another surgery unless I absolutely have to.
I appreciate your feedback on the pain meds. I have had to be on them for other situations, but never abused them. I don't care if it's a narcotic or not, just give me something that works and I can take as much as I need. I can't really stay ahead of the pain the way things are now. I wouldn't be as worried about it if I didn't have another surgery looming ahead; I'm not going through all this pain twice.
And thank you for the recipes; I'm sure I'll be using at least one or two.
Shari
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You are welcome Shari. That's what the doctor told me but maybe the testing tissue thing wouldn't work in your case, I don't know. If you go for the operation again I would want them to verify they got just about all the cancer possible so chemo and rads can eliminate the rest. Here is a link to explaining H&N cancer treatments which will give you a better understanding. I came into this like you all of a sudden I had all these appts., scans, then treatments I was overloaded so I hope this helps if you need more let me know I have links saved.
Can a biopsy be done during surgery?
In some situations, such as during surgery, the sample of cells may be examined immediately and results are available to your surgeon within minutes. But most often, the results of your biopsy are available in a few days.
I did find that on the net but not a lot of results point to it. So it says it can be done but is mostly done and results in a few days.
It just seems like there should be a better way than multiple operations.
What if after the next operation he says you still have positive margins, but hopefully not.
Yes ask a lot of questions and you are very smart writing this all down, keep a tablet with you always if you think of something and always take it to your appointments.
I am glad you can use some of the recipes, they are jus some I gathered over the years mostly from here.
Take Care God Bless-Russ
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Shari ~ I can't believe how fortunate I have been through this ordeal. I also didn't have nerve/muscle damage and I was very fearful of that. The one thing that I had to really work on was jaw exercises to keep my range of motion. My team suggested that I use stacked up tongue depressers to help stretch my jaw. I did it religiously once the pain had subsided from the sores in my mouth (2-3 bad weeks). I am not sure if you will face that with your radiation but I was able to keep my same range of motion from prior to treatment.
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Hi Everyone,
I had registered my original account under my real name and then was contacted by CNS Support saying that wasn't a good idea (which had dawned on me after the fact). So they deleted that one, hence the "deleted user".
Anyway, that's what happened there.....
Shari
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Thanks, Shari, I was confused and trying to figure it out and I appreciate you letting us know. But I am still confused with what looks like a post by Soldier of Love but yet it looks like he didn't actually post any comments. Maybe he changed his mind.
Take Care God Bless-Russ
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Sorry for the confusion; I'm grateful for Ken from the support team to help me get that one deleted so I didn't keep accidentally using it.
Shari
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It's amazing what we can find gratitude for.
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I agree. I am grateful, thankful, and blessed. After my last cancer episode, I am grateful every morning when I open my eyes and see I am at home and didn't wake up in a hospital room, Hallelujah.
After you go through this brutal H&N treatment and survive cancer, the smallest things can bring appreciation, satisfaction, and Joy. You find satisfaction in the little things in this world. Day-to-day normal things are somehow relegated to amazing things, and actually, they are, but now we see it before we looked right past it.
Take Care God Bless All
Wishing You the Best-Russ
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This isn't your first bout with cancer Russ?
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No Gal, not my first go-round I have had three bouts of cancer. The first was throat cancer discovered in late 2012. That was a major cancer deal. The next was about 5 years later a spot on my tongue. Lost a bit of my tongue through surgery but not a big deal. And in 2019 lymph cancer in my neck which was a major deal with complications and I spent 36 days in the hospital and 10 days in a rehab hospital till I got home.
You will find there are a number of people on here who have had multiple cancers. But they fight on and keep going.
You can check out my profile, and in fact, read anyone's profile on here if you click on their picture or name, basically the little emoticons with everyone's name. Just click on their picture, click view profile and you are on their profile page and if they have filled any info out you can read their story. You can add info about yourself on your profile page. And add a picture if you like. Just click your picture in the upper right of the page and click edit profile.
Have a good one.
Take Care God Bless-Russ
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Hi,
I am 49 year old male who found a lump on their right side neck and it turned out after seeing the wrong doctors for several months to be cancer in the tonsil that had spread to a couple of the lymph nodes.
The first thing they did after my PET scan was to remove my left tonsil because they thought they saw something light up on the PET scan there, turns out it was healthy, so they removed the healthy one :/
The operation wasnt too painful for me, I did get a little tender and sore throat, but it didnt really stop me too much, I couldnt eat spicy stuff for a couple of weeks or chocolate, but it got better pretty fast and wasnt too bad.
Now I am 3 weeks into a 6 week chemo / 7 week radiation therapy. Chemo is once a week on Monday and so far I dont really feel like its given me too many side effects, at least not that are effecting me too much. I have not felt nauseated really , I get a bit of acide reflux for a few days after but the chemo is just boring, takes a long time and cant do much while you have it.
The radiation is short but after 3 weeks 5 days a week, the back of my throat is really quite sore, I have lost my sense of taste which also makes eating even less enjoyable and a real chore, so its just starting to get me down a bit now. I still managing to eat but its mentally wearing me down making it hard to stay positive. I still have 4 weeks left and I already feel like crap.
I have the "magic mouthwash" people talk about it was two things I had to buy from the chemist, one cost 7 bucks and the other over 100. it kind of works, but isnt great for me so far.
I think the other issue I have is that I have not been sleeping through the night since I started treatment. so I often feel tired in the day but even if I resist naps I still dont sleep through
Anyway Im nearly half way through my treatment, just hoping I can get through these last 4 weeks radiation and start to heal.
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DCX welcome to the forum, sorry you ended up here but it will be good, you can get help here.
First off I would recommend you check out the Superthread at the top of the page. You will find loads of helpful; information in there. Sir, you are now hitting the tough part when you get no taste from the food you are right it is difficult to eat. You are right it is a chore because no matter how tasteless and tough it is to eat you have to force eat enough calories every day to maintain your weight. What you may want to do is eat, no I mean drink a lot of your calories. I will post below a listing of high-calorie smoothies you can make and other recipes. It is easier to force high-calorie liquids through than chew and swallow regular food and easier to maintain your weight. Also in the meantime, you can buy Boost Very High Calorie-530 calories in an 8-ounce serving. A lot of calories in 8 ounces. Have your doctors mentioned the possibility of a temporary feeding tube, I had one as well as many others on here. Hopefully, you can hang in there and get through this. You are right about all the above it can get you down, it is draining, it mentally wears you, it's hard to stay positive and you feel like crap. You just have to set your mind and heart on finishing this treatment, every one of them because it is important. You tell yourself that you will do this no matter what. The toughest days are ahead. It is not going to get better till you finish treatment, and then the treatment effects really don't just stop and you start feeling better. They say you are still cooking so to speak from the rads for a couple of weeks and then after that, it may be several more weeks till you see improvement. But it will come, but slowly you will feel yourself getting better. but it is a slow process. This recovery is measured in weeks and months not in days and weeks, this is a slow process but you will get there and you will triumph because it can be done and has been done by thousands before you. I went through the same regimen only I had extra chemo for 2 weeks spaced out in the hospital 24 hours a day for 5 days. After I was done and reasonably recovered that I felt human again, and looked back at it I said to myself this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Just go day to day getting treatments, resting over weekends, and do the same thing Monday again and you will get through. I read someone's comment on here years ago and they said they made up their mind they were going to get through no matter what even if they had to go day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, or do it counting the seconds. What I said here may sound like a lot but it is not to scare you, just prepare you to keep forging ahead day by day and you will make it to the end and be cancer free. If eating or drinking your calories get to be impossible and you are offered a feeding tube take it, it will get you through and they are a lifesaver, and the treatment will save your life. If you have more questions, even daily that's what this forum is for. We are here to help others travel the path we traveled. Just get yourself anchored in, you can do this.
You will be amazed at yourself, what you are capable of, what you can do, and what you never thought you could do and you never knew it but you will.
Hang in There, stand strong, and NEGU (Never Ever Give Up)
Recipes and high-calorie information below
Wishing You the Best
Take Care God Bless-Russ
DCX Welcome
To the forum glad to have you. I too ended having a small nodule on my lung and liver but they are just being watched for now and I believe unless they start growing nothing will be done. My sister had one for years they were watching and it finally started increasing in size and I believe they used a cyberknife on it and it is gone. I would imagine your case is similar with a watch and see approach.
The 2 times I had substantial treatment for cancer I had a feeding tube and both times when it was finished it took a while to gain the weight back. I think now I am pushing to be a bit overweight but I found through my experience it is good to have a little reserve. To gain weight, for now, don't worry about any certain I recommend eating food that has a substantial amount of calories and or fat also. Like bacon and eggs, or sausage and eggs and or pancakes, waffles, etc. with lots of butter and syrup. Cheeses are good to add also such as cheese topping on a bowl of chili. Also after my last bout out of the hospital, I had lost a good bit of weight also and had a bit of trouble putting it back on so I purchased Boost VHC (Very High Calorie) and was drinking one in the morning with breakfast including trying to eat at least 3 meals a day of some size. This boost is 530 calories per 8 ounces serving and you can drink more than one a day till your weight picks up. This is a quick easy drink to pack in 530 calories. Usually, the Boost VHC is mostly available online unless you can find it locally mostly regular boost is in the stores. Here is a link showing the product made by Nestle https://www.nestlenutritionstore.com/boost-very-high-calorie.html I bought it by the case on eBay but you can buy it online in many places like Walmart online etc.
Also eat a bunch of snacks like candy, cupcakes, peanut butter crackers, etc. you can fit one in anytime your sittin around. Also, nuts like peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc. have a lot of calories and are even good for ya.
Also here is a weight gain recipe that 2 ladies shared that I found a long time ago related to cancer and gaining weight afterward--
Deb,
So sorry I’ve taken so long to get that receipe for your dad! I checked with our nurses and here it is:
1 box (3.4oz) of instant pudding
3/4 cup half & half cream
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of carnation evaporated milk (use canned not powdered etc.)
Mix together in a bowl then mix with a mixer for one minute until it begins to thicken. This receipe makes 4 servings. We use it to help individual’s we serve who are under weight to assist in gaining weight. As you can see…it is very rich and full of calories etc. Let us know how your dad is doing!
Karen
These Recipes and Tips Are From Debbiel0 on CSN H&N Section
And here is another communication shared recently with me by a lady on this forum concerning weight gain after cancer treatment and I am sure she would be glad if I would share it--
- Coffee cream ( 18%) 1 cup 480 calories
- Coconut milk 1/3 cup 150 calories
- Greek style yogurt 1 cup 270 cal
- 2 tbsp Ground Flax seed 100 cal
- 3 tbsp Hemp Hearts 170 cal
- 1 tsp nut butter 100 cal
- 1 tsp honey 100 cal
- banana 80 cal.
I would mix all of the above into a shake for my husband. It makes about 3 - 3 1/2 cups and 1300 calories.. he would sip on it all day. Then we would make him soft eggs or oatmeal to top off the calories for the day. Jello or pudding and ice cream are also another easy foods to slide down.
Using coffee cream when making soups, or sauces, cooking oatmeal in it, using it for puddings. Is an easy way to boost calorie intake. The Hemp Hearts and ground Flax can be expensive. If you have access to Costco, they are reasonably priced there. ( at least in canada that is the way it is)
Use honey as much as you can in tea or coffee, or just in warm water.
I think the best advice I got from our nutritionist was to think outside the box and add cream or greek yogurt to what ever you can think of. Throw in a couple of tbsps of flax or hemp seeds to soups, your boost, hot cereal cooked in heavy cream. Mashed potatoes with heavy cream and lots of gooey gravy is always good too.
Hope some of these ideas help. Another well balanced change from boost is Soylent. I cant remember the calorie count, but it is a very good meal replacement.
I know I am kind of rambling... but hope some of these ideas help, or at least give you a variety. It is hard to get excited for a meal that is same as the last one!
Split pea soup and baked beans with honey are great for calories..
The flaxseed and hemo hearts dont change the taste all that much..just a way to sneak another 100 calories in. I had never ventured into that type of food either. My daughter in law is super healthy, and introduced me ( young ones, ya know!)
Almond butter or cashew butter is just another alternative to peanut butter. Change up the taste a bit.
I have a long list if food allergies, no dairy, no cheese, no chocolate, so finding calories was really tough for me. Example, geek yogurt can be up to 270 cal, my non dairy yogurt is 60 calories. So, when my husband was going thru his treatment it was actually fun for me to keep finding new things to make for him. Cheese is another good source of calories, melt it and add it to soup, potatoes.
Take care Russ. Maybe sit down and try to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream!
Also Here Are A Few More Postings For Weight Gain From The Forum
Flyinhigh says:
High calorie
I use a powdered mix from GNC called 1340. If you followed their mixing instructions and used 4 large scoops with water and you supposedly get 1340 calories. I mix it half or third strength with 12 oz. of milk and figure I get 500-600 calories, plus a lot of protein. You can try this and if you don't like it or can't tolerate it GNC will take it back and refund your money. It comes in vanilla, chocolate or strawberry(my favorite).
Grandmax4 says:
calorie
I used a drink called Scandishake, bought it through Amazon. It's really good, can't remember the calorie and protein, I made it with crushed ice and milk in a blender, delicious
Drivingdaisy says:
Drinks
Only drank Orgain, organic and small amount of natural sugar. Decided no more chemicals in My body. I just poured it in My feeding tube. I still drink it but the plant based. Became lactose intolerant. Good stuff. I'm more of a naturalists but to each their own. Going on 4 yrs NED, so did something right.
Suzj says:
if you want to mix it up..
If you get the urge to mix it up, go with a high Protein Boost, mixed with a carnation instant breakfast, and a few scoops of Ice Cream - that'll up your calories
In Closing:
I too and most folks on here had trouble swallowing and getting some foods down but it will come just be patient but for now eat what goes down easiest with a high calorie count. You may have to add liquid as you eat whatever you prefer. Try donuts and coffee. Eat in small bites and be patient. With my 2 cancers and 2 radiations to this day, I am thankful I can still eat but it is just a slower process. but in your case, it will probably come back completely. get with your speech therapist and do your swallowing exercises. I assume you have had contact with a speech therapist on this journey because most of us have it is standard procedure in this Head & Neck cancer game. if not contact your doc and get one assigned to you.
Lastly I highly recommend that you Do Not have your PEG removed until you can have a stable weight or have some slight gain in weight going on but it is your choice. I know after my first cancer they would not remove my PEG tube until I could maintain a stable weight for 2 weeks.
Be patient and Eat, Eat, Eat.
I hope some of this rambling helps you in some way-Wishing You The Best-Take Care-God Bless-Russ
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