March is National Nutrition Month! Click here to learn more about this event!
Patients diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Peritonal Carcinomatosis , Colorectal Cancers and Appendix Cancer in general, may experience specific nutritional needs following surgery.
For detailed information regarding post operative nutrition, including post op weight gain and weight loss, diets for ostomates, etc, refer to the Winter/Spring 2009 issue of the PMP Pals' Network Newsletter, to our BLOG, and to the PMP Pals' Handbook:Preparing for Surgery.
For specific information regarding your personal nutritional needs, consult with a registered dietician/nutritionist and provide him/her with a copy of your operative report.
Digestion actually begins with the chewing motion! As we chew, foods are broken into smaller particles so they can be processed in the stomach and intestinal track. The purpose of digestion is to extract vital nutrients that our bodies need to maintain health and recover from illness and surgery.
Vital nutrients include calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, in addition to water. Nutrients are primarily absorbed through the small intestine into the blood stream where they are carried throughout the body and put to work keeping out organs functioning properly. On average, we consume about 2 liters of food and liquid daily. Nutrients our bodies don't need are excreted through the urinary track and large intestine.
Anorexia is the loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat, and can lead to weight loss. Anorexia can be due to a variety of factors relating to the diagnosis and treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Appendix Cancer patients in the midst of chemotherapy and post operatively, with or without HIPEC.
Malabsorption may be experienced by Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and Appendix Cancer patients who have undergone colon resections, gastrectomies, ileostomies, etc. Some patients discover they are lactose intolerant following surgery.
Osteoporosis* may occur when Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and Appendix Cancer patients experience a total or partial gastrectomy and/or ileostomy. Detailed information about post operative osteoporosis is included in the Summer 2008 issue of "PMP Pals" (pages 13-15)
Vitamin D deficiencies may occur in patients who have experienced a total or partial gastrectomy. These patients should be monitored periodically for folic acid and B 12 levels. Consult with an endocrinologist regarding specific needs.
Some Pseudomxyoma Peritonei, Appendix Cancer and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis patients may require intravenous or "tube fed" nutrition or TPN while they recuperate from surgery. The Oley Foundation** provides helpful information for patients and their family caregivers.
Many patients recuperating from surgery for the treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Peritonal Carcinomatosis and Appendix Cancer, in general, receive "TPN"** nutritional feedings via a Central Line or IV, during the post operative days and weeks in the hospital, and/or at home.
Some Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei patients may require supplements of
Vitamin B 12 ****following surgery, especially if surgery includes a gastrectomy.
Articles on the topics mentioned above are included in the PMP Pals' Network Newsletters and the PMP Pals' Network Handbooks. Refer to our SUBSCRIPTION MEMBERSHIPS link for more details.
Refer to the SPECIAL NEEDS page under the TREATMENTS link for additional information (ie "Gastrectomies.")
Here's what our PMP Pals participants say:
"Thank you very much for sharing this information! It is so useful!
Thank you for making PMP patients aware of these very critical nutritional issues!" CC, USA
Government Assistance
SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Nutrition awareness website
Source: US government
Suggestions for re gaining weight, post op
Anorexia
Malabsorption
Source: MedScape 2008
Malabsorption Diet (opens as pdf file)
Source: Ohio State University
Post Operative Weight Loss and Nutrition
Source: PMP Pals' Network
Quick Tips for Post Op Weight Gain
Source: PMP Pals' Network
Benecalorie Supplement
Benecalorie Low Volume Calorically Dense Supplement
Benecalorie Concentrated Liquid Nutrition
Source: Walgreens
Benecalorie: Source for ordering 24 pack supply
Source: Walgreens
Body Mass Index
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)
Source: National Heart and Lung
Supplemental Beverages and Products
Enteral Nutritional Formulas
Source: Drugs.com
Unjury Medical Quality Protein Beverages
Resource Fruit Flavored Supplemental Beverage by Novartis
Juven nutritional supplement beverage
Source: Abbott Laboratories
Enlive Supplemental Beverage
Source: Abbott Laboratories
Nutrition Product Comparision Chart Among Supplemental Beverages
Source: Abbott Laboratories
Supplemental Nutrition via TPN
The Oley Foundation** provides helpful information about IV nutrition for patients with unique digestive needs
http://www.oley.org
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)** via IV or Central Line
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch003/ch003c.html
Prognosis for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Patients with TPN administered at home
Source: Pub Med 2006
Anemia
Basic information about Anemia, causes and remedies
Celiac Disease New Today!
Food Choices for Celiac Disease
Source: Symposier
Iron
Iron Absorption, Storage and RDA
Source: Iron Disorder Institute
Flatulence, Foods Causing Distress
Foods Contributing to Flatulence
Source: Nexium
Gastrectomy Care
Special needs of Gastrectomy patients
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Dietary needs of Gastrectomy patients
Post operative care of Gastrectomy patients
Nutritional needs of Gastrectomy patients
Cooking Without Milk: Milk-Free and Lactose-Free Recipes
Are you scheduled for, or have you experienced a Gastrectomy?
The PMP Pals' Network Gastrectomy Resource Group shares a wide variety of information to assist you in returning to eating the foods you love and maintaining the calories you need!
Are you an Appendix Cancer or Pseudomyxoma Peritonei patient in need of a Gastrectomy Pal Mentor?
Participate in "Gastrectomy Pals" and learn how to maintain your nutrition while enjoying your favorite meals!
G Tube or Gastrostomy Tube
G Tube explanation and instructions
Source: UPMC
Nutritional Info for All
Nutritional Issues in Cancer Care
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/index.html
Study on using broccoli sprouts to prevent Gastric Cancer
Source: Medscape, 2009
Nutrition Essentials and Diet Therapy
Source: Elsevier, 2009
Risks of Hot Tea for Esophageal Cancer
Source: British Medical Journal 2009
Diet, exercise and lifestyle
Oncologists' Recommendations: Excercise vs Supplements
Source: American Association for Cancer Research, April 2009
Diet, Nutrition and Cancer: Findings from the AACR
Source: American Association for Cancer Research, April 2009
Obstructions
Tips to prevent intestinal blockages and obstructions caused by diet
Source: PMP Pals' Network
Pancreas Enzymes
Pancrease Microtablets
Post Operative Osteoporosis*
Osteoporosis: Are you at risk due to post op malnutrition?
Source: National Osteoporsis Foundation
Summer 2008 issue of PMP PALS, pages 13-15
Free copy of previous issues are available with your subscription membership to the PMP Pals' Network
Reclast treatment for osteoporosis
Probiotics
Probiotics
Source: Mayo Clinic
Vitamin B 12****
Vitamin B 12 Needs and Sources
Source: NIH
Vitamin B 12
Source: Mayo Clinic
Enteral Supplements of Vitamin B 12 Post Gastrectomy
Source: Annals of Surgery, 2000
Post Gastrectomy Issues, including Vitamin B Deficiancy
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Vitamin B Deficiency and Depression
Vitamin B deficiency may be linked to depression
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency in adults
Source: Merck
PMP Pals' Articles About Nutrition
Are commercially prepared high calorie beverages appropriate for you?
Articles of Interest
Books of Interest
The Cancer Lifeline Cookbook. Kimberly Mathai, with Ginny Smith.
Seattle, WA: Sasquatch Books, 2004, 234 pages, $19.95.
The Cancer Lifeline Cookbook could be described as a combination cookbook and nutrition guide for patients with cancer, caregivers, and survivors who want to adopt a healthy lifestyle after treatments have been completed. This well-organized, informative, and up-to-date nutrition and cancer book has wonderful recipes, each with a nutritional analysis.
The text is easy to read and divided into seven sections, including resources for cancer- and nutrition-related information and an index. Each section provides an overview of the cancer-fighting properties of foods, how to incorporate these foods into patients' diet, and tips on menu planning, preparing and storing foods, and recipes. Although few limitations can be found in this book, some of the recipes require ingredients that are not typical in certain regions of the United States (e.g., nori, a sea vegetable that is a rich source of protein). On the other hand, cooking is all about being adventurous and trying unusual ingredients.
The Cancer Lifeline Cookbook addresses nutritional management issues in cancer therapy that are well organized and easy to understand. The chef's and nutritional tips throughout the recipe section are a strong addition to the book. The authors did a great job in discussing cancer and nutritional benefits and implementing them into mouthwatering recipes. Illustrations are sparse; however, the cookbook does provide a glossary of terms.
The uniqueness of this publication lays in its upbeat approach to promoting healthy eating during cancer therapy without compromising flavors, variety, or good nutrition. The section on 10 super foods is very practical. This cookbook would be a great addition to patients' libraries.
This book was reviewed by:
Joyce Diacopoulos, RD, CNSD, LDN
Nutrition Coordinator
Hillman Cancer Center
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
Pittsburgh, PA
PMP Pals' Nutrition Advisory Council
Sandra Rhoades, PMP Family Caregiver
Bachelors of Science in Dietetics
Master of Public Health in Nutrition
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Gut- Check: Your Prime Source for 
Be Good to Your Gut: Recipes and Tips for People With Digestive Problems
The Culinary Couple's
Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health:
The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut:
The What to Eat if You Have Cancer