Worried my sister can't eat!!

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sophbail
sophbail Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
Worried my sister can't eat!!
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  • sophbail
    sophbail Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2009

    My sister was diagnosed with Breast cancer about 2+ mos ago. She has went through her first round of chemo (4 sessions) and will start her second round tom. She then will have both breast removed and follow up with radiation.

    She has had ups and downs with chemo, hospitalized once for on white blood cells and on antibiotics.  She always has nausea and food just does not agree with her. She tells me, "I know I have to eat, but I just can't.  What do I do for her????  She has lost so much weight.  The past few days she has complained of constant weakness in her legs and very winded. I know she is weak from not eating.

    What can I do to help her eat?  She says she does'nt want to die..but not going through what she is I don't understand all her feelings.  Can someone help me to help her?  Thank you for any support.

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  • j414
    j414 Member Posts: 321
    edited October 2009

    Sophbail, below are links to a mayo clinic podcast and two other articles that discuss nausea during chemo and loss of appetite. Each makes very specific suggestions - when to eat, what to eat, how much etc.  I hope this helps.  Best, J.

      http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chemotherapy-nausea/MY00168

    http://www.chemocare.com/managing/nausea_vomiting__chemotherapy.asp

    http://cancer.about.com/od/chemotherapy/a/managenausea.htm

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  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    I love homemade lemonade. On all the chemos I have been on that was something I could always tolerate. Does she like shakes that is something also. Puddings help. Gatorade also. Telll her to take meds before she feels sick to saty on top of it. Small snacks work and sipping on something. God bless her.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2009

    Ginger ale is good, since it will give her liquid and the ginger will help with nausea. As kbugman said, take antinausea meds right away.

    A lot of people say bland foods (noodles, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, things like that) help. They're also comfort foods. I found bland didn't do it for me - I needed very strong flavors (spices) and craved salt and salty foods.

    You're a good sister to take care of her.

    I wish her (and you) the best.

    Leah

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  • sophbail
    sophbail Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2009

    Thanks to all for you information and support.  The mayo website is very interesting and helpful.

    We went to her doctor today and after her bloodwork she did not receive chemo.  Her platlets were low and we go tom. for 2 units of blood.  Now we know why she has no energy.  Hopefully this will boost her and her appetite will be better too.

    Thanks agaon for your help.  The support here is amazing.  God Bless you, Pam

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  • cinderella_1950
    cinderella_1950 Member Posts: 28
    edited October 2009

    I was given some anti-nausea meds specifically for cancer patients and they really helped me during my chemo time. I, too, had to have blood transfusions and was quite weak, yet I had no one to care for me.  You are a wonderful sister indeed!  I have 4 sisters and not one offered to care for me as I live alone (my hubby  had left me a year prior to my diagnosis 2 years ago this month). 

     I pray things will go great for her!  Pray, pray, pray... you can never pray too  much!  I had others pray with me and come into agreement with me for a healing and today, I am cancer free and I give all praise to the Lord!  :)

    God bless you both!

    Cinderella/Charlotte

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  • kbugmom
    kbugmom Member Posts: 15,189
    edited October 2009

    Her getting blood should help her get energy back soon. Keep us posted and tell her we are praying for her.

    Susan

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  • Raye99
    Raye99 Member Posts: 1,350
    edited October 2009

    Hi Pam -

    What a good sister you are. Bless you.

    During my chemo weekends (had chemo on Fridays), I had no appetite either. This sometimes would last into the week. I would drink milkshakes so that I was getting something- they were tasty and choc full of calories. I would also drink fruit juice - high in calories and Vitamin C and, as an added bonus, also helped with the constipation.

    Best wishes,

    Raye

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  • lauren804
    lauren804 Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2009

    Pam, how is your sister doing? My prayers are with all of you. Keep up the determination to get her better.

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  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited October 2009

    Ask the doctor about an antinausea med name Emend.  It is taken before chemo and 2 days after.  If blocks the nausea signals to the brain instead of working on the stomach.  It is VERY expensive which is why it is not routinely prescribed.  My insurance company covered it tho so it was only $30 for the 3 day routine.

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  • sophbail
    sophbail Member Posts: 16
    edited October 2009

    Hi All, I wanted to update you on my sister, Sharon.  After she received 2 units of blood she is know feeling much, much better.  Her appetite is better (but I would love to see her eat more) and I know it will increase.

    She finished her 1st (4wks) of chemo which was really hard on her. We go tom. for her 2cnd round which is 12 weeks every week. (sorry, I don't know the name of it).  Her doctor said it will not effect her like the first round (upset tummy, blood cells).  Which so far it has not.  After this she will have her mastectomy and follow up with radiation.

    Her breast was so very raw with open sores and had developed mrsa.  With the help of an infect. disease doctor and chemo most have healed.  Tonight though my niece changed her bandages (which have to be changed dailey) and said there was 2 small lesions starting.  My heart dropped!!  I take her for chemo tom and will definitely alert the doctor.  I pray this is normal and will heal also.  They cannot do surgery yet because it covers most of the breast and there is not enough good skin to pull together. They are alos affraid until the infection has healed. She has lost so much weight there is not really anywhere to graft skin.

    I pray that this all makes sense what I am writing.  Its been a long day and my brain is exhausted.

    Love and prayers to all and thanks so much for your replies. Pam

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