I just want to help, but I don't know how...

Megan - I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. It sounds like your grandma is very special to you. I would suggest you do whatever you would normally do with/for your grandma. When you have cancer you want to be treated the same as before and not like a sick person. Chemo effects your sense of smell & taste - so if you hear her say something sounds good, try it even if she only eats a couple of bites. If she has a metal taste in her mouth try using plastic utensils - it's weird but it helps. Eating light snacks/meals throughout the day is better then trying to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner. I'd say watch her and take her lead. These days people are living with cancer instead of dying from in. That's what I try to do - ovarian cancer doesn't have great odds, but if you've read any of the posts from this site you will realize that people are resilient, have uncompromising hope and cheer each other on.

I wish the best for you and your grandma - and keep asking your questions okay? Take care.

Kris

Megan:
You've been given some wonderful advice already. I'd like to add a couple of things.

As far as nutrition, it is very difficult to eat or even have an appetite during this time. But there are several wonderful protein supplements on the market that can be made into smoothies, shakes, etc. I've even used the protein powder in my oatmeal, pudding, etc. And protein is a very important nutrient to maintain strength, rebuild tissues, and fight this disease. Having said that, every day is going to be differnt for your Grandma, so being there and available as you have been is all you can do. I always told my mom I would make anything for her or get anything for her that she wanted to eat. Some days it was a Wendy's Frosty! For me, I also found that very cold things were more appealing than hot foods during my chemo.

You are both so lucky to have eachother. God bless you for your concern and love. Yes, it sounds grim right now to you, but hold on to all the hopeful and inspirational stories here. And rather than anticipating the worst, or looking too far ahead, take one day at a time - I always say, one MOMENT at a time. Worrying and having anxiety about this will steal the good moments that you two can share.

Keep us informed. Sending prayers and hugs your way.

Monika

I just want to help but I don't know how
Hi Megan...my dear mother was 78 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer...she struggled through it and went into remission..then got brain tumors...so she had a tough battle on her hands. My mother had 11 children, and we were always the light of her life...she enjoyed our company more than anything else...we didn't have to do a lot of entertaining or talking..sometimes I would just sit by her and hold her hand, or stroke her arm..we found some tv shows that we both enjoyed. Often times she slept because it really tired her out..and often times I napped too..it was just the idea of being together. Every person is different in how much attention they want...but I don't think any of us don't like knowing we are loved. I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer 14 days before my mother passed away..she fought long and hard and would have been heartbroken if she knew I had gotten ovarian cancer too. I am a 5 year survivor this month, and expect to be around much longer..I try to keep a positive attitude, count my blessings and surround my self with people who love me..trust me, it has kept me going, and I know it kept my mom going. You and your grandmother are so lucky to have each other and a good relationship - priceless to both of you. Enjoy your time together and find reasons to laugh. It's still the best medicine. And give her big hugs often. Bless you and your grandmother..

saundra said:

Bless you for caring so
Bless you for caring so much. Try puddings made with whipped cream or half and half, ice cream, cream soups, etc. High fat, and don't worry about heart healthy at this point. She may only take a couple of spoons every hour. Small servilngs. If she is having nausea, is she on an anti nausea medication? I'm 70 yrs, and Stage IV. This is what I would want offered, but I didn't have nausea. ((Hugs and Prayers)) Saundra

Bless you, Megan
I have recently completed chemo for ovarian cancer. I had 6 treatments, one every three weeks. I experienced the severe nausea in the beginning but after trying several anti-nausea drugs, my oncologist prescribed a combination of 3 different drugs that worked very well. I was still very weak and slept a lot the first week of each treatment. The second week I was a little stronger and the third week was when I felt great and did whatever I couldn't do the first two weeks. I, too, had little appetite and found that apple sauce and raspberry sorbet were about the only things that appealed and seemed to stay down during the worst of the nausea. (I must tell you that I can't stand the sight of them now!!! It is true for many chemo patients that food likes and dislikes can change dramatically.) And, at that, I only ate a couple of teaspoons at a time, maybe 4 or 5 times a day, sometimes not even that much. I also found mashed potatoes worked pretty well as well as chicken rice soup, again only a few teaspoons at a time. My oncologist told me that she wanted me to gain 4 pounds a week, something never in my whole life had anyone ever told me to GAIN weight. During chemo I was lucky if I gained 2-3 pounds during the two weeks after the chemo, I always lost during the chemo week. She also told me to eat whatever I wanted, especially high calorie foods. She said if you want a snack at 9:00 pm, have a glass of milk with some cookies. During my good weeks, I did just that. The best medicine, however, was my family. Knowing I had their love and support, both emotionally and physically, did more for me than anything. My children and I have been blessed with a great sense of humor so they kept me laughing (generally at my expense!!)which carried me through the worst times.

Don't be afraid to ask your Grandma what she wants to eat or do. And, just being there with her and letting her know how much you love her and value her is the best medicine in the world. Don't treat her as though she is going to break, treat her like she is the same, strong woman she has always been because she is. Also, let her know that it is ok to nap whenever she feels the need even if she has company. This isn't a time for her to entertain but to heal.

I am an avid reader, however, I couldn't concentrate enough to read while undergoing chemo. I couldn't even watch TV because of lack of concentration and the fact my eyesight was affected (also another reason I couldn't read) by some of the drugs given in combination with the chemo. The eyesight problem has improved and it is pretty much back to normal. Everyone reacts to chemo differently, also depending on the chemo drugs used, they can affect everyone so differently.

There are many, many of us out here who have made it and God willing, so will your Grandma. Never, never give up hope. May God bless you and your family as you go through this very difficult time.

I just want to help, but I don't know how...
Megan,
I am so sorry to hear what about what your family is going through. When I was going through treatment, potatoes and vegetables were the easiest on me. Then I developed the ice cream thing. My vision changed too, so reading was not an option. Looking back, it would've been nice if someone would have picked up a book of short, light hearted stories and read to me. I was very fortunate to have a very supportive family, and it sounds like your grandmother is too. Laugh with her, give her many hugs, and ask her what she needs from you at this time. She is a very lucky woman to have you.-Tracie

Megan, You are very special!
Your grandmother is so fortunate to have your love, caring, and support! You certainly came to the right place here, too.

I don't think there's much for me to add that hasn't already been said, except that I would let her know that it's "okay" to take a nap if you're there. Don't let her think she needs to entertain you. In fact, you may want to bring a book, or knitting, or whatever hobby you have, and say "I brought this to read in case you want to take a nap while I'm here".

During chemo (I've had 2 rounds; 1 of them being IP Chemo), I rarely wanted visitors, but I didn't have family nearby, and that is totally different. Also, during chemo I would have LOVED IT if somebody would have come with me to my treatments! Even once... It would have been nice if someone were there to help pass that rotten time with me; play cards, talk, get food, or whatever. But my family lives far away, and my husband had to work, so I went alone and packed a lunch. I think it would be wonderful if you took her to chemo sometime; and maybe pack an assortment of things she may like to eat or munch on; and a game or cards to play. I, also, had blurred vision after chemo, so doing puzzles or reading magazines was out.
If you do get cards, maybe those real large-print ones.

Popsicles! Mention "Popsicles" or "Big Sticks".... I loved those during chemo, as it seemed to help to get rid of that metal taste in my mouth. And I lived on grilled cheese, however your Grandmother may have a different preference. Chemo does change your taste buds. But my Dad, who died of lung cancer, he loved popsicles, too, after chemo or surgery.

You are truly blessed to have such a loving relationship with your Grandmother, and she is truly blessed to have you. I will keep you both in my prayers~

~Susan xoxo