My neighbor has cancer and has been going through chemo. It left her feeling weak and sick all the time. Her daughter, a single mother of three, lives with her mom, takes care of her, her three children and six animals. I want to make the whole family a meal that the mom can enjoy too. Are there certain foods that cancer patients that have gone through chemo and feeling sick, should stay away from? I've already made them two homemade pies for a treat. They all loved it. :-) My friend is so overwhelmed and I want to help and make a special meal for them all.
Any ideas? Suggestions? Thanks so much!
Thank you everyone for such great suggestions! :-) I really appreciate the help.
when my husband was going thru chemo, he ate almost whatever he wanted. Nothing spicy or anything like that though. He said if it was going to come up, it might as well taste good going down. His doctor's couldn't argue with that logic and agreed.
I would find out what food she likes/wants and then make some. Thank you for being such a great neighbor. Just know whatever you do is greatly appreciated.
Brothy soup with fresh vegetables. It can be frozen so never wasted.
I had no appetite while in treatment. Probably not so important to
me was the offerring, but that somebody was here to force feed me.
When the food intake is low, the food value should be high.
Good luck, and what a good neighbor. This is just my take - but what I learned best, is EVERYBODY likes different things, or nothing. EVERYBODY has a different story. Put your stamp of love on it and
they will feel support from an angel.
Stay away from sugar - Cancer LOVES sugar! Starve the cancer of its favorite fuel and it will help it die off. Lots of research on this out there. I have been through chemo for lymphoma. The best thing is having an appetite - and hopefully your neighbor has one. The cancer patient NEEDS lots of fresh dark leafy greens, and other veggies. Fruits are kind of ok - but again, they have sugars in them. Water, Green tea, and wholesome meals - homemade, and with variety. Best wishes to your friend. TELL HER ABOUT SUGAR!
Check with the daughter about foods she does not like or is unable to eat. I am doing this right now. Hubby says sweets are too sweet and sometimes things are too salty. When I cook you would have to add salt to your food to taste other days it is good if it is spicey.
Cook what you like just more of it and share with them.
Thank you for helping your neighbors in time of need.
The other S.
PS If you can contact a cancer center there are foodbrochures for the radiation and chemo patient.
I think really anything would work.. When going thru chemo most people
do not have the appetite they used to. Soups and stews are great. Are the
children small? If they are, I think if you could do it, is to take them out or
over your house for a day and give Mom and daughter some quiet time.
I am sure they will appreciate anything you do for them. Have a great day.
It really depends.
My friend going through chemo right now has restrictions: no fresh or uncooked fruits or veggies.
Maybe ask the daughter if her mom has any specific dietary restrictions right now.
I'd make something you/they might normally eat: chicken, pasta, etc and some sides and such. Hopefully she'll have an appetite and enjoy the meal as well. Maybe she won't and that's OK too. You're caring for the family and she will appreciate that! :)
Hi G.,
My mom has cancer and she can pretty much eat anything. I would just find if there's any type of limitations that she's on ( for example like not being able to eat nuts) and she what she likes. You're a great friend to do this. I hope that everything works out well for your friend.
I. K.
Anyhting that sounds good enough to them to tempt their fragile appetite and won't be to nasty if it comes back up....
Hi G.-
How very kind of you to think of your neighbors!
When my 'peter' was going thru chemo...meals were rough! Often something would 'sound' to him like it appealed...and then it didn't. Almost like the chemo changed his taste buds...
I would do a meal that 'anyone' would enjoy...and she can give it a go.
BUT soup...for my peter...always was a winner
best luck!
michele/cat
During the actual week of chemo I didn't like anything at all. I made myself eat because your body needs food but it doesn't really like it. By about 4 days after the treatment my appetite came back a little. I did try to eat whatever was put in front of me. Stuff with acidy tomato sauce not so good. So if possible stay away from that. I did eat some rice dishes and baked chicken always tasted good. mashed potatoes went down pretty good. pudding was good. milk its self made me gag. fresh fruit was what I absolutely craved. But you have to be really careful and wash it all really good because it can make you really sick.
keep it simple with the flavors, I remember my mom was super sensitive to salty and fake ingrediants, nothing artificial. I say stick with pasta/rice, chicken, potatoes (mashed, 2x baked), soups are always a good bet. and even make a easy meals she can freeze,
look up
sloppy lasanga (sp) super easy freeze well
shaperds pie (w/ ground beef or chicken)
meat pies ( really easy freezer friendly)
I can give you the recipies to any of them if you like.
The best is to ask due to restrictions and also cravings. My friend couldn't taste much (her tastebuds were dulled) but could taste tomatoes and wanted tomato items. So we made lasagna and a meatloaf with lots of tomatoes.
