Foods to make for my dad who was just diagnosed, he’s 72.

donnelly28 @donnelly28
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Sorry your dad is going through medical problems. My mom had pancreatic cancer and her appetite changed. She had already lost weight prior to diagnosis, so I wanted to make sure she consumed enough calories to keep weight on. In my situation, I provided whatever she wanted to eat. Every time I went to see her, I would call first and ask what she was hungry for, and I would bring that. She craved strawberry shakes.

Have the providers recommended any dietary restrictions?

Hi donnelly28,
I’m sorry you and he are going through this. I also didn’t have appetite after my diagnosis. My husband tried to tempt me with things I used to like, but they were no longer appealing. My dietician recommended protein drinks and we found one I could tolerate. Also small snacks like celery with peanut butter or cut up fruit with cheese were things I could eat. Soup also worked most of the time. Good luck to you both.

I'm so sorry your family is going through this. Right now, the most important thing is that your dad eats. If a homemade smash burger or chili is what sounds good to him, I would absolutely consider that a win. Calories and protein are often more important than trying to follow a "perfect" diet during treatment.

Another resource you may find helpful is Seena's Care Kitchen, a program from the Seena Magowitz Foundation. It was created specifically for pancreatic cancer patients and caregivers and offers easy-to-follow recipes, nutrition guidance, and cooking tips designed to address common challenges like poor appetite, taste changes, digestive issues, and treatment side effects.

I hope your dad finds foods that appeal to him and that he's able to keep his strength up. Wishing him and your family all the best as you navigate this journey.

@mcharlesfrancis

Hello, thank you so much for responding. This has been the hardest 2 weeks of our lives and I just want to make him comfortable right now. My siblings are trying to restrict his diet and cut out all types of foods but I think it’s important that he just eats. The information you provided is very helpful and I really really appreciate it.

I found a product by Nutrica called Pro-Stat. It is concentrated liquid protein. 1 fluid oz has 100 calories 15 grams of protein 8 grams of carbs. I got the citrus splash which tastes good to me. It can be mixed with any liquid if they are not carbonated. It helped me a lot when I had no appetite.

Hi donnelly28,

My husband's dietitian recommended Kate Farms Organic Plant Based Protein shakes. They can be used as a meal replacement or as an additional supplement to meals. The Standard 1.5 shake has 455 calories per 11 oz. serving and 20g of protein. They have vanilla, plain, strawberry and chocolate flavors. They also have the Peptide shake that is even more easily digestible and that provides 500 calories per 11 oz and 24g of protein. It can be purchased on Amazon or via One Source Medical Group, which is cheaper. My husband has been using these shakes for 4 years now since his Whipple surgery and to supplement his low appetite and taste sensitivities.

Awesome, thank you for the feedback I really appreciate it!

@joyful23
My husband has been using Boost Very High Calorie Nutritional Drinks. 530 Calories, 22g protein, 26 vitamins & minerals.
He uses it at the beginning of his day to get all his pills down, and sometimes at the end of the day if he hasn't hit his 2400 calorie goal. This drink is available on Amazon or directly from the Boost company.

@quilter4mom

That’s the one thing he will get down, my sister is actually out grabbing more right now.

Premier Protein Powder available at Walmart. Chocolate flavor mixed with 2% milk is good.