A mate of mine is going though Chemo and I was reading that high energy and high protein foods are good for her. Does anyone know if protein bars like Trek Bars would work? Anyone tried it?
I can only repeat the advice given to me by my Oncologist when I was on chemo which was "eat anything that you can keep down - soup, cake, chocolate anything".
i had a lot of home made power shakes - full fat milk, peanut butter and/or banana was a favourite - and home made soups (almost full meals blitzed in a blender). Chocolate was good too as it was easy to swallow.
The chemo I was on messed up my taste buds, some things I normally love tasted foul so play it by ear.
I agree . Chemo is tailored to you individually so often will be a very different , or perhaps a subtly different type from someone else’s . So ,naturally , there can be individual side effects which may or may not happen depending on so many general or personal factors ,chemo type, duration , intensity , general level of health affecting physical tolerance ,or side effects of other drugs or dietary intake so you have to find what suits you individually and you and your personal tastes and preferences , within the guidelines, if possible of what is safe to use and what is contraindicated as research differs too .
Like everyone , I’m sure , we have been reviewing our dietary intakes and looking at “the latest reputable research “ on “what foods “boost NK activity “ or “ what foods can inhibit beneficial NK ( natural killer cell function “ , and looking at mushroom types ,how much and the “advice against taking vitamin supplements particularity too much Vit C when on chemo “ , and thereafter , in preference for obtaining these vitamins from dietary sources which is strongly advised , again due to effects on NK cells . And basically having “low sugar “and “high protein “ , but preferably not from red meat . Best from “plant based “ and whole grains , or lean proteins ( chicken / fish ) if one wants meat . But all all good protein can be obtained from vegetable / graind and beans / lentils .
This theme recurrs in most of the “reputable” research and up to date research , but each needs to find their own balance and get sufficient calories ,as you say , hopefully , mainly from healthy sources to keep muscle strength , morale and energy levels up and side effects subdued and chemo activity high .
This is our second time around in 6 years on totally different chemo regimes for two totally different primaries / nodal / possibly liber. metastatic too , one requiring very intensive hospital chemo for a double hit lymphoma before , six years ago in ten different lymphatic sites , the other this time involving colon surgery first and more chemo days at home 3 months afterwards but mainly orally at home but a smaller gap off chemo before each round .
The first time for us with predominantly oral chemo at home rather than a 24 hour continuous chemo drip six years ago ( still no sickness ) with only 15 minutes off the drip in 24 hours daily , for 5 days, before two weeks at least off between cycles so pretty gruelling , but only 6 1/2 days off chemo between cycles this time . Significant rapid weight loss first six years ago then a more insidious weight loss but still extreme this time but noticeable with each stage 3B cancer type once diagnosed , before treatment started but regained weight quite well afterwards .
High protein yoghurts have been helping and a daily protein bar , in between normal meals or little and often works better for some people .
I find adding walnuts , Brazil and almonds to be ground into smoothies can help , though a bit grainy , and 1/2 avocados, spread onto toast or serviced with poached egg / eggs is light but protein rich and healthy fats and cooking salmon fillets and hard boiled eggs , having both with whole grain rice and sweet cherry toms and “peas or spinach” all so quick to cook and combine , light and tasty to eat .
I like grating chocolate on the high protein Arla strawberry yoghurts and adding “chunks of kiwi and blueberries” , also the latter too added on top of full milk well cooked ( 4 minutes ) porridge , so quick and easy . “Oats” being so good for health too .
If too rich I make it with full water or half and half milk . It is great with a small sliced banana .
Scrambled eggs with grated cheese on top is so nutritious and quick to prepare and easy to digest . We find “Mockingbird “ labelled or “Innocent” labelled smoothies berry or greens delicious and a real boost , less acidic than orange juice .
Exploring the natural benefits of mushrooms more for the Immune boosting Vitamin D .Great cooked in soups . They can be quite potent so always check with the oncologist with this or any diet / change of eating .
And purple boiled / mashed potatoes ,plus “beans , squash and corn combined ,” to release “Niacin “ in the traditional “three sisters diet “, great in soups and for B vitamins .
Early days in this chemo this time around though . Determined to remain positive and proactive , focus on some small exercise if and when it can be managed , and “optimum nutrition “ no whacky diets as such just specific foods included and some actively omitted , keeping a good balanced diet , alongside the chemo as it worked well last time and we looked hope and pray it will be as effective this time too, on various levels , mood , energy , boosting immunity and motivation and gives us hope and the drive to get out there and try to enjoy life ! We know there will be good days and not so good days when it will all go to pot and be full of challenges , doubts , fears and ups and downs , but are determined to beat this ruthless illness !
NEW RESEARCH and HOPE is emerging week by week ! Day by day on our behalf and is much appreciated . Who knows …. some bright spark might just find the answers and cures tomorrow ! Hold onto that belief ! We do … a day at a time ! Good to have small achievable goals to look forward to , even if that is to just read a book or to ,
” Enjoy every sandwich”, a brilliant book I found recently at the local library which can be requested .
The very best of luck to everyone on here living with cancer and their carers and families. We will not be beaten !
Off to buy choux buns as instructed for my other half ! A little of what you fancy does you good occasionally !
