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

Posted by donnelly28 @donnelly28, Jul 12 2:52am

2 weeks ago my dad was given a diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. The CT scans showed lesions in the liver. He also has been dealing with blood clots that started in the calf and spread to his lungs, brain, and now arms. He had 3 mini strokes 9 days ago. He doesn’t have an appetite for much foods at all right now so basically I am wondering if it’s okay that I make him the healthiest smash burger possible or a chili or something that we will actually want to eat.

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jjmacc | @jjmacc | Jul 16 9:54am

Glad he’s going to listen to the doctor. Alternative methods is what ended Steve Jobs - it was too late when he turned to conventional treatment. Chemo will indeed probably make your dad feel sick for at least a while, but that and eating what he can bear to eat are his best shots if he wants to fight this thing

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jul 16 10:19am
In reply to @donnelly28 "Hey Tom The endoscopy confirmed it to be Stage 4 with a mass on the tail..." + (show)
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Hey Tom

The endoscopy confirmed it to be Stage 4 with a mass on the tail and lesions on the liver. They want to start treatment next Monday. My siblings are heavily against chemo as they think that will just make him very sick and kill him earlier. They want to try alternative methods which I understand but it’s my father’s choice, he’s an old school guy who is going to listen to the oncologist.

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@donnelly28 I know what getting that diagnosis is like. It can be tough on everyone. Do you know what type of cancer it is? Pancreatic cancer means that it started in his pancreas. Over 90% are the adenocarcinoma type. The type of cancer usually determines treatment options.

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snydermark1 | @snydermark1 | Jul 16 7:19pm

I do my best to keep added sugars to a minimum. (Look up sugar and pancreatic cancer.) I found foods that are low in added sugars but are very satisfying. My go to cereal is Blueberry Almond Crunch by Cescadian farms. I get it at Costco. One cup is 240 cal and 6 g total sugar from the berries, zero added sugar. I like special K with strawberries but a one cup serving has 7 grams of added sugar. 2 g of sugar from the strawberries for 9 g total.
My go to ice cream is Bryers Carb Smart. A 100 cal serving is 2/3 cup and has 4 g of sugar.
I look at added sugar first. I can tolerate most fats. My oncologist told me that I’m not going to die from arteriosclerosis.

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mcharlesfrancis | @mcharlesfrancis | Jul 17 6:16am

One other suggestion: ask his oncologist about a referral to an oncology dietitian. They can be incredibly helpful, especially if his appetite continues to be poor or if he begins losing weight. Also, because pancreatic cancer can interfere with digestion, keep an eye out for greasy, floating stools or unexplained weight loss, as he may benefit from pancreatic enzyme replacement (such as Creon).

The Seena Magowitz Foundation also has Seena's Care Kitchen, which offers recipes specifically designed for people with pancreatic cancer who are struggling with appetite and treatment side effects.

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carlos322 | @carlos322 | Jul 17 6:35am
In reply to @donnelly28 "Hey Tom The endoscopy confirmed it to be Stage 4 with a mass on the tail..." + (show)
Profile picture for donnelly28 @donnelly28

Hey Tom

The endoscopy confirmed it to be Stage 4 with a mass on the tail and lesions on the liver. They want to start treatment next Monday. My siblings are heavily against chemo as they think that will just make him very sick and kill him earlier. They want to try alternative methods which I understand but it’s my father’s choice, he’s an old school guy who is going to listen to the oncologist.

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@donnelly28 Hi, I’m sorry to hear about the staging results. I agree with your Dad, listen to the oncologists, they do have his best interests at heart. My first pancreatic cancer room mate at Mass Gen was advised by my oncology /surgical team to go home to FL and play golf with his friends(advanced disease at diagnosis). The oncologists won’t advise chemo if it has little chance to help. Dont give up, never give up!

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donnelly28 | @donnelly28 | Jul 17 3:38pm
In reply to @mcharlesfrancis "One other suggestion: ask his oncologist about a referral to an oncology dietitian. They can be..." + (show)
Profile picture for mcharlesfrancis @mcharlesfrancis

One other suggestion: ask his oncologist about a referral to an oncology dietitian. They can be incredibly helpful, especially if his appetite continues to be poor or if he begins losing weight. Also, because pancreatic cancer can interfere with digestion, keep an eye out for greasy, floating stools or unexplained weight loss, as he may benefit from pancreatic enzyme replacement (such as Creon).

The Seena Magowitz Foundation also has Seena's Care Kitchen, which offers recipes specifically designed for people with pancreatic cancer who are struggling with appetite and treatment side effects.

Jump to this post

@mcharlesfrancis

Hello, thank you for the response. He has already been experiencing weight loss due to lack of appetite and he’s also having trouble with bowel movements. We are definitely trying to get him on CREON as soon as possible as well. I will be making a lot of those recipes off seenas care kitchen so I appreciate that suggestion as well!

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