How to help a cancer patient undergoing treatment with nutrition?

My husband just went through the same treatment. He also was so nauseous he couldn't eat. After 14 days of drinking water only (and losing 45 lbs), the oncologist finally ordered the feeding tube (peg tube). But at that point his levels were so low they had to build him up so he could have the surgery. That required a 5 day hospital stay receiving a blood transfusion, as well as liquid nutrition. He didn't receive radiation while in the hospital so this pushed his treatment back as well.
My advice, don't wait! Push your oncologist for the peg tube.
Good luck!

I could hardly eat anything during treatment. I lived on creamy mashed potatoes with butter. Cottage cheese. Egg’s anyway cooked, peanut butter and jelly , banana , power shakes with powdered supplements and boost , apple sauce, baby food jars, soups and noodles, Boost/ ensure cans pack a lot of good calories. I had to FORCE myself to eat.

I am on daily dialysis for end stage kidney disease, and also an active blood cancer patient on [oral] chemo. Many days there is simply no appetite, or else there is some nausea. What works for me is to have a variety of things to choose from, given my dietary restrictions. And then look to see what might sound appealing. A protein shake that often fills me is made with blueberries, greek yogurt, almond milk, and a protein powder. Canned fruit, a bit of pepperjack cheese, and always making sure that my system is hydrated. If plain water is not to your liking, use a slice of orange or lemon into water. I tend to eat just a little at a time, several times a day. Oh, and before it was a no-no, I used to drink pink grapefruit juice for an upset stomach; it was the only thing that soothed it. Go figure. And now I cannot do that because of the medications I take, dang it!
Ginger

I was on 3 different nausea medications during radiation/chemo. One was a 5 day patch that seemed to help the most. The nurse practitioners on my case were great about trying everything to control nausea. You might have to ask for more meds. Small quantities of soft bland foods worked best. Smoothies with ricotta or cottage cheese for protein and fruit for flavor tasted good. Yogurt caused burning in my mouth. It may take a stomach tube to get through the treatment. One of my doctors or nurses said that if nausea is not controlled then they are not doing their job well. Good luck to you all.

How do you get pills down if throat and mouth is sore, asking a head of time for husband.

My pain meds were liquid and also a fentanyl patch and pill form we had to cut or crush…taking pills was NOT easy!!!!
Ondansatron dissolves, however my dry mouth prevented it from dissolving so I always had to swish my mouth with water prior to taking it.
Hope this information helps,

MOJO

I used applesauce. Worked well for me

Before (and during l) I started treatment, I met with Mayo's dietician to monitor my progress. She provided advice, recipes and was an integrated part of my care team.

I know it's tough but get onto the liquid food as soon as. I take a high protein supplement too. I dropped 40 pounds in 2 months for the same reason but to avoid feeding tube you will have to force the calories. I miss MASS protein powder with Natrel milk. About 75 grams of protein and decent calories.
I take tylenol With codeine before eating and magic mouthwash 10 minutes before the get it down.
It gets better. Good thoughts to you.....

I find that certain foods now put me off like eggs, bread and the taste is different. It is a matter of variety of different foods. Changes daily for me