Solutions for Weight Loss During Chemo 11/10/2011
Solutions for Weight Loss During Chemotherapy Today’s question has been submitted by DG in Mumbai, India who seeks solutions for his father’s weight loss. DG says: “My father has lost seventy pounds since his surgery and chemotherapy treatment began nine months ago. Originally his weight was 180 lbs. Now he weighs 110 lbs. He is halfway through a 12 cycle chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of Signet Ring Cell cancer (appendiceal.) Based on his recent CT scans, his oncologist believes the chemotherapy treatment is helping my dad. However, due to my father’s weight loss, the chemo treatment has been suspended until my father can gain at least five pounds. Although my father is trying to maintain his caloric intake, he does not have an appetite. Do you have suggestions for how my father can gain weight?” GG responds: “Thank you for submitting your question. We will share your question with participants in the PMP Pals’ Network who have experienced similar situations and will ask for their suggestions. In the meantime, we offer the following suggestions: These are the three most common reasons "Pals" lose weight during and after medical treatment (surgery and chemotherapy) - 1. Digestive distress (eg vomiting) - 2. Anorexia (loss of appetite, typically post surgery, and/or during chemotherapy) - 3. Inability to absorb nutrition (due to ileostomy, gastrectomy, or other surgical removal of critical portions of the digestive system) From what you describe, your father may suffer from reasons #1 and #2 Reason #1 (digestive distress, vomiting) may be addressed/corrected through prescription medication to relieve nausea, as prescribed by your father’s oncologist. Non prescription remedies for nausea include ginger tea, dry crackers, and limited, unseasoned, bland foods served in small portions. Reason #2 (anorexia, loss of appetite) may be addressed by offering a variety of small meals and "snacks" throughout the day and noting which, if any of those foods offered, appeal to your dad. Here are resources provided by the PMP Pals’ Network to assist patients in understanding their nutritional needs: Review our NUTRITION page carefully for the following… BeneCalorie: ask your father’s physician whether this may be a beneficial supplement for your dad Lactose Intolerance :often overlooked by family caregivers, but very important for GI cancer patients, as many of us are lactose intolerant following surgery and cannot tolerate sugars, sweeteners, caffeine, chocolate, canned commercial nutritional supplements, like Boost and Ensure, milk and other dairy products) and read the Malabsorption diet. These articles may also be helpful: How can I gain weight? and How can I gain weight...I already drink Ensure Please keep in mind that every patient is unique; what works for one patient may not work for another. This is why it is important to incorporate a team of healthcare providers in the coordination of your father’s care. In this case, your father may benefit from the inclusion of a licensed clinical dietician and an endocrinologist, to be included in his healthcare team. The articles posted in “PMP Pals” and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and their family caregivers, and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Patients should seek the counsel of their licensed professional healthcare providers. Copyright© 2011 by Gabriella Graham/PMP Pals’ Network/All rights reserved. Comments03/29/2012 20:55
04/29/2012 04:49
Again the great information about the weight loss program. Thats a great way to reduce the fat. It is such a good information for the people who want to reduce the fat for loosing their weight. Leave a Reply | PMP Pals' Network
Resources for Appendiceal and Colorectal Cancers, Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and all Peritoneal Surface Malignancies ArchivesApril 2012 CategoriesAll |
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