Diet

Patients need to eat well during cancer therapy. They need enough calories to maintain a good weight and protein to keep up strength. Good nutrition often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy.

Many side effects from cancer treatment may make it hard to eat. Some physical side effects include loss of appetite, sore mouth, changed sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and weight gain. The emotional side of cancer treatment may also affect eating habits. When a person is upset, worried, or afraid, they may have eating problems. Losing his or her appetite and feeling nauseated can be normal when one is nervous or afraid. The treatment team, including the nutritionist/dietitian at the hospital where you receive treatment, can help you plan the food to serve at home. The good news is that those who have trouble eating have days when eating is a pleasure.

The following suggestions for caregivers may help:

• Serve appealing food.
• Build meals around favorite foods
• Try always to give high-calorie foods (for example, macaroni and cheese with real butter and cheese, or milkshakes made with ice cream). Add instant breakfast powders to all milk and milk products.

Adopt a casual attitude about mealtimes.

• Serve food whenever he or she is hungry or offer food often during the day. Have high-calorie, high-protein snacks handy. Taking just a few bites of the right foods or sips of the right liquids every hour or so can help increase the intake of proteins and calories. You can freeze portions of a favorite dish and serve them when s/he wants them.
• Oral medicines may affect appetite. Some are best given in the morning, some at midday, and some on a full stomach. Ask the doctor when and how medicines should be given.
• Try changing the time, place, and surroundings of meals.
• Create a pleasant setting. Do not hurry meals. Make mealtimes calm and relaxed.
• Offer liquids during the day, but not at mealtimes. Liquids are filling and take away an appetite for solid foods.
• Some types of chemotherapy may change the sense of taste for a while. Well-seasoned foods, such as spaghetti, tacos, and pizza, may seem good at such times. Sometimes, adding extra salt or sugar, or using less, may make foods taste better.

You can also find many helpful suggestions in NCI's booklet Eating Hints for Cancer Patients, available from the CIS at 1-800- 4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or TTY at 1-800-332-8615.

For those who are unable to work during treatment the decrease in income may pose a problem in obtaining food. We are fortunate to live in an area where there are many organizations willing to help.

Emergency Assistance For Adults (EAA)
Columbia County Department of Social Services
25 Railroad Avenue
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-9411

A state program providing emergency financial assistance for people who are eligible for, or are already receiving, SSI benefits. Provides assistance in hardship situations by providing funds to cover food needs or to prevent eviction or utility shut-off.