What are the best snacks for Esophageal Cancer during chemo?

Hi
While I was going through 28 radiation and chemo treatments, I liked milk shakes, vanilla pudding, and apple sauce. At first I could only take small sips, and I ended up on feeding tube to be nourished for a while. But eventually the cancerous tumor disolved and I could swallow food again. The esophageal cancer is now gone. But the side affects are no fun. Let us know how it goes and if we can answer any questions?
Don

So happy to hear you are now doing well! Thank you for your suggestions!

My treatment was like your husband’s and Don’s.

I could swallow again after first infusion of chemo, but food mostly tasted awful as chemo continued.

I relied almost exclusively on a feeding tube that was placed before treatment began. The tube took the pressure away for nutrition - I didn’t have eat, could rely on the tube.

Relying on the feeding tube is something to consider. It was best for me.

Am happy to discuss if you want.

Thank you! We plan to see how it goes without getting the g-tube but it's probably inevitable. Really appreciate your helpful response.

Yes Don!!!! All of the above including for me: mashed potatoes with LOTS of gravy, cottage cheese, jello.
Lori

The rules going forward are different now... this is how I counsel others. The ability to eat and drink and even swallow, can swing wildly during the EC journey. Then add in nausea, internal cramping everywhere, treatment side effects, as well as side effects from all the meds we get... to help us with pain and our treatments... so the ability to take in calories and stay hydrated becomes iffy.

So I advise others that this is not the time to think about so-called healthy eating... going on a "cancer diet ". Why? Because that ship already sailed... YOU HAVE CANCER!

So now the main objective is to stay strong enough to survive ALL that is coming. And staying strong is French for NOT dropping weight!! And dropping weight happens for various reasons. Many of us have a big ol tumor in our esophagus... and we cannot swallow! This was me, could not swallow even a tiny sip of water as my CROSS protocol treatments were just starting (they had already given me a J tube). And then, as treatments get underway, taste buds head south, and desire to eat can drop dramatically. So... many things steer our bodies towards big weight loss... not a good thing.

So... what to focus on? Understand the ability to swallow. If this is in serious jeopardy... a feeding tube should be installed (and NOT a stent... I have my reasons for not taking the cheap and quick way out, especially in the neoadjuvant setting). Second... if swallowing is still passable, then take in calories... fatten up! I don't care if it's potato chips, mashed potatoes with tons of butter and gravy, ice cream, candy... I don't care. We need calories, because more weight loss is on the way. All that matters now is staying hydrated and big calorie intake... regardless if how one gets this done. So... what to eat and drink? Whatever the hell works! The only criteria are getting it down... and keeping it down. Sometimes we're nauseous and we can vomit a bit. Ok... comes with the territory ... don't sweat it. During treatments there will be off days, days in bed... but there will be good days in the cycle as well... so pack it in when you can... take extra hydration when at the infusion center... ask for it!

Remember... eating is no longer a pleasurable activity... been there done that. And it could be a year before this returns... but, it will return! For now... we're in survival mode, doing what we can to give us the best chance all along our miserable EC journeys. Do what works for ya... no rules. Cram in the calories... and they have many high protein high calorie drinks. Find one you like... augment it with some vanilla ice cream and root beer if you like (I did this with my Ensure Plus 350 cal drinks). Those root beer freezes tasted pretty good.

Gary

Gary, thanks SO much for the straight up- no BS response. We will save your suggestion about the Ensure Plus 350 calorie drinks, ice cream and root beer. You changed my mind about getting his j-tube placed earlier in treatment. I wish you the very best health moving forward and GREATLY appreciate your response.

Understand... I'm not particularly a fan of J tubes... yes I had mine for 8 months (4 before and 4 after surgery)... but if they are truly needed... then they serve their purpose... just another tool to make use of on your journey. Many NHS countries pooh pooh their use... they only cause problems... the feeds don't always work, etc. But that's horsesht... they want the cheap and easy way out... they'll pop in a stent... or just give us a stretch. These are temporary solutions at best. Feeding tubes can last a very long time... and come in handy post-op especially. But don't think his many doctors are keeping an eye on him. YOU must monitor his weight and his ability to swallow! Things ain't going well... let your oncologist know! But many can swallow half decently both before and during their treatments. Great... then no feeding tube is needed! And j tube surgery, although just an overnight stay... still hurts a bunch since they stab us in the abdomen a few times to do the install. Once the general anesthetic wears off YOWZER! But in a week or so (taking your pain meds)... all is well.

Hopefully a j tube is not needed for him

Be well,

Gary

Protein shakes worked for me

What are your side effects?