G-Tube feeding diet suggestions durning chemo!

Stay Away From
Who is telling you to stay away from those things, and are they (or you) more qualified than the nutritionist....

Personally, now is not the time to experiment with the things you are researching.... During my treatment of chemo, and especially during concurrent chemo/rads. All I wanted was to get whatever I could get in with the most bang for the buck and minimal pain, for me that was primarily Ensure Plus. I'm not saying that it's the only thing. But in my Chemo Center, they had a fridge full of that, Boost and other related...free for the taking and encouraged.

Even if your father isn't having rads, you want something that he can easily process and get the most nutrition from.

Deal with all of the other long term dietary concerns after he makes it through treatment and well into recovery....

Just my opinion, not meant as a bashing of your thoughts or ideas...

Best,
John

Amanda.H said:

THank You
Thank you both for your quick response. I have just been reading up on this stuff and his blood work yeasterday was very low along with his blood pressure. I am freaking out so doing a lot of research, is it ok that his blood has dropped so much? We are below a 9 at like a 7 so now they are probably going to have to do a blood transfustion. And of course everything I am reading is saying no sugar, no milk, no raw veggies blah blah. My mom and I are so confused I don't know what to think or do! Well thanks again for your input, sweetblood how are you feeling I saw you were not feeling so well! I hope you are doing better, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

You're welcome.
In my rarely to be humble opinion, too much research can give you analysis paralyisis. I understand the need for research and control, believe me I do, but you have to filter out some of this stuff because you will drive yourself nuts. I chose to worry about the nutrition end of things after I lived though treatment. I did what ever I had to do to get through treatment and stay this side of the grass. I never heard the no raw vegetable thing, either, not sure where that comes from. I am not a nutritionist and I have no credentials as such, so idk. Did that come from a physician or nutritionist? As someone that has been food safety certified three times, my only concern on the fruit or veg that is uncooked, would be thorough washing and respecting any cross contamination rules as far as mixing cooked and raw ingredients, holding at temps 40 degrees or below for cold foods, etc. You have to pick and choose reliable sites to go to if you are only using the Internet. There is too much garbage and any nitwit can post anything. (me typing- case in point. ) Then when you research something and think you agree with it, read the counter argument. I believe half of what I see, and less than that of what I read. Insane yet? It'll drive you crazy Funny thing, I did all that research and reading and wound up choosing my sort of every thing in moderation approach. I eat what I want, just not tons of it. I keep my foundation in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, some nuts and some dairy. Little meat, cause i cannot swallow it anyway. I am happy with it, and feel good about what I chose to put in my body at the end of the day. That's all you can do.

Cannot really speak to the transfusions, either. I know that people here who have had chemo have had CBC issues. As far as blood pressure, hydration can be a huge factor in low pressure. Also amifostine injections can cause pressure drops. I also had severe drops in my potassium. Even though I was putting in Gatorade and water like crazy through my tube. It got so once a week I needed IV fluids after my rads, they would just keep me a couple hours.

I am still quite ill, but I am still breathing (read: wheezing) and vertical. So, I am counting it as a good day. Thank you for asking.

Wishing your dad only the best ~

Sweets

Amanda.H said:

THank You
Thank you both for your quick response. I have just been reading up on this stuff and his blood work yeasterday was very low along with his blood pressure. I am freaking out so doing a lot of research, is it ok that his blood has dropped so much? We are below a 9 at like a 7 so now they are probably going to have to do a blood transfustion. And of course everything I am reading is saying no sugar, no milk, no raw veggies blah blah. My mom and I are so confused I don't know what to think or do! Well thanks again for your input, sweetblood how are you feeling I saw you were not feeling so well! I hope you are doing better, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

I know..
Hi Amanda, I am pretty new here like you. But your words hit home for me. In the beginning when my dad was diagnosed, I spent all my spare time, and far more than just spare time, researching. I too found tons of information on natural remedies(not that I expected a cure, more so in the sense of immunity boosting) and the alkaline diet. My poor dad had seven daughters and three sisters updating him daily with new regimens to follow. We were desperate and looking back, I regret the frenzy we made.

Then treatment started and all of this by necessity went out the window due to his physical state, weakness, inability to eat, rapid weight loss etc. The main thing became getting down as many cans of tube food and as much water as he could handle. And I think thats the most important.

I'm not sure what you mean by his blood count is low. My dad had a few transfusions. One for very low white cell count, and one for low hemoglobin (i think?). This came as a last resort after antibiotics and other medications were not working quick enough. And by quick enough, I mean days. After each one, he felt much better and improved fairly quick. My dad was also admitted a few times for low blood pressure. This was due to dehydration and occurred despite our best efforts to hydrate hydrate hydrate.

My point is that what your dad is experiencing are all regular side effects of chemo. Not everyone gets them, but they happen frequently enough that the doctors are very experienced and have many lines of attack to make sure your dad is okay. They have much more experience and knowledge than all of the hours of internet research you and I have combined. There is only so much you can do.

I'm not saying you shouldn't try new things and shouldn't research. It really does help and give hope. But, try to keep your sanity, and your emotional strength. Your dad needs it. I've found that vigorous exercise will help tremendously with the worry and anxiety. Replace just a little of your worry with a little bit of faith and it can make all the difference.

I wish you peace of mind and comfort. Your dad is in good hands.