1. < Pancreatic Cancer

Protein Powders, Calorie Boosters, Appetite Stimulation?

Posted by brittbk @brittbk, Jul 27, 2023

Hi, all.
Looking for recommendations on protein powders, calorie boosters, appetite stimulators. My father has metastatic disease and has been off of therapy for 2 months now in preparation for clinical trial participation. Sadly, we just learned last week after he completed all screening procedures that the trial is not moving forward. We transferred his care to a new oncologist who is recycling the first chemo regimen he was on (gem-abrax) since he never had disease progression on that (have separate questions about this). However, because of receiving no treatment for this long, his disease has progressed with significant increase in pain. Palliative care has increased his dose of oxycodone to manage the pain, and this is making my father so loopy... which is now severely affecting his food intake. So, we are looking for things to "hide" in his food to keep his weight up and performance up until his resumption of chemo (and throughout), that will hopefully help control/reduce the disease and alleviate some of the pain to the point that he can reduce the oxycodone.
We have tried many options since the start of his journey. He hasn't really ever tolerated Boost or options that aren't clear. He does tolerate Ensure Clear, so he has those. Just looking for other options, or even things he can take to stimulate appetite (he refuses MMJ).

Please HELP and THANKS!!!

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markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | Jul 29, 2023
In reply to @brittbk "Thank you so much! Are you thinking of Remeron? His Palliative Care doc just prescribed that..." + (show)
@brittbk

Thank you so much!
Are you thinking of Remeron? His Palliative Care doc just prescribed that today. He's also taking Miralax to help prevent constipation from the increased opioid use. I think he was also just prescribed Senokot.

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@brittbk , I did not recognize the name Remeron, but its generic name Mirtazipine does sound familiar. Still can't find my notes and we never got the actual Rx to fill, but I'm pretty sure that's it.

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granite | @granite | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @beatrixlee "I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these..." + (show)
@beatrixlee

I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these a day, chocolate flavor is his preferred flavor. These are hospital grade meal replacement shakes which can be taken by mouth or through a feeding tube. We get a carton of 12 delivered every week (no delivery charge). Dairy free, soy free, gluten free, 455 calories, in other words a full meal replacement or addition. Nothing else compares, in my opinion. Good luck, Beatrix

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Be careful with Kate Farms brand:voluntary recall of several Kate Farms Pediatric Standard 1.2 Vanilla products was issued because of possible microbial contamination. Additional Kate Farms products as well as some PediaSure Harvest products have now also been recalled.Sep 29, 2022

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granite | @granite | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @beatrixlee "I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these..." + (show)
@beatrixlee

I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these a day, chocolate flavor is his preferred flavor. These are hospital grade meal replacement shakes which can be taken by mouth or through a feeding tube. We get a carton of 12 delivered every week (no delivery charge). Dairy free, soy free, gluten free, 455 calories, in other words a full meal replacement or addition. Nothing else compares, in my opinion. Good luck, Beatrix

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See more details on Kate Farms (Lyon Magnus) in Food Safety News. They did not shut down when they knew your health was at risk.

FDA warns Lyons Magnus over serious violations after last year’s recall of Oatly, Organic Valley, Glucerna and other brands

By News Desk on February 20, 2023
As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or months after they are sent. Business owners have 15 days to respond to FDA warning letters. Warning letters often are not issued until a company has been given months to years to correct problems.

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frygirl777 | @frygirl777 | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @beatrixlee "I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these..." + (show)
@beatrixlee

I recommend KateFarms “standard sole-source nutrition formula.” My husband (pancreatic cancer) drinks about two of these a day, chocolate flavor is his preferred flavor. These are hospital grade meal replacement shakes which can be taken by mouth or through a feeding tube. We get a carton of 12 delivered every week (no delivery charge). Dairy free, soy free, gluten free, 455 calories, in other words a full meal replacement or addition. Nothing else compares, in my opinion. Good luck, Beatrix

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Unfortunately these contain natural flavors which are chemicals added for flavor. I don’t consume anything containing ‘natural flavors’ due to not knowing what that consists of. You can hardly find anything anymore without it which is why I am so diligent about not buying anything containing it.

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jwkelly72 | @jwkelly72 | Jul 30, 2023
In reply to @gardenlady1116 "I have been trying with Fairlife protein drinks. They have 30 grams of protein. I like..." + (show)
@gardenlady1116

I have been trying with Fairlife protein drinks. They have 30 grams of protein. I like to eat carbs instead of drinking them in a shake. Fresh fruits have been appealing. I have nut butters for some fats. I had a Whipple' June 21st and am supposed to eat smaller more frequent meals, which means eating about every three hours. It is difficult to eat by the clock rather than because I feel like eating, It seems like having the protein drinks is good because they don't seem as filling as the solid foods. I had to adjust to a lot of digestive issues. Constipation now pretty well under control and helps to prevent some of the full feeling and loss of appetite I had when I was having difficulty with constipation

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I do Jevity 1.5 it's 355 calories, 15.5 grams f protein per 8 oz container, low sugar and complete nutrition . Also muscle milk has 40 and 50 gram protein shakes but cost 5 plus dollars each. I do Jevity for esophageal cancer and it works perfect

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jwkelly72 | @jwkelly72 | Jul 30, 2023

Also a feeding tube is a good idea(stomach one) gives more options on drink nutrition

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 9, 2023

@brittbk, how are you doing?

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