Support for caregivers: I feel helpless not being able to fix things

Genome testing of the cancer , requiring a biopsy, will give the doctors a possible path forward for post chemo immunological treatment that targets the gene. And your family will appreciate knowing if the cancer may have a possible genetic base that they need to know . Or was it just a non genetic mutation.

Exercise, keep up strength, maintain muscle (hence protein/complex carbs). Games, targets, # of steps , minutes, whatever goals short and long term the patient can agree to.

My wife the patient. PADC, Stage 4, Tail. Now 4 months Folfirinox chemo.
Let the doctors and the chemo do their thing. Focus on nutrition
Get Books for nutrition for cancer. Mainstream oncology doesn’t spend a lot of time helping with nutrition, so you have to learn your way.
Agree, pancreatic enzymes a game changer.
Quality protein , good fats, and stay away from any processed foods and sugars.
Buy Organic whatever wherever possible. READ labels.
Libre Freestyle sugar monitoring a blessing, as was getting an endicrinologist on our team to help with the inevitable problems PADC creates in managing diabetes, and blood enzymes.
We found Glucerna protein drinks a great help in the first stages of chemo. But it’s dairy based, and as chemo started to ravage the immune system and Biome world, Glucerna wasn’t good for the diarrhea, so she moved to a vegan alternative called Kate Farms. Much more expensive but more acceptable to the stomach.
You’re the patience anchor. Remember when things get dark, to put aside your frustration and unhappiness , as it pales in comparison to what they are going through… They need your strength, your hope and your love….

Welcome, @ttcilia. Has your husband completed chemo? What type or flavor of smoothies does he like best?

@klk1214, I can imagine that this is a very scary time for both you and your grandma. It's only natural that your mind wanders to the question "what if". There is a lot that is unknown.

While I know that both you and your grandma want you to continue to concentrate on your studies, it can be hard. Don't forget to take care of your need for answers and to get support. You're not alone.

You might find this website helpful:
Young caregivers: Cancer https://youngcaregiversconnect.ca/cancer/

Is your grandma at a cancer center? What treatment is she getting? Do you go with her to appointments?

We just spoke with the dietician at the chemo appt and she suggested several things Pretty much no changes other than no deli meats , be aware of what kind of fats he is eating and play with enzymes as needed . I know that sounds vague yet eating period is a huge factor . I do recall things being better after adding a magnesium supplement , if that helps ( his mg was too low which can cause issues as well

Well…..the surgeon post op suggested he treat eating to gain like a full time job and that sunk in , as it was really up to him . He lives to cook and enjoys his own food the best so the more he ate , the better he felt snd the more energy . We started small -adding cottage cheese to quiche , he never knew it was in there but added protein and fat . eating regularly and snacks between meals of granola power bars -he’d only get half in but better than nothing . We always have a bowl of nuts -almonds , walnuts , cashews and dark cholate covered almonds beside his favourite spot . High fat ice cream , puddings easy to eat and easily digested . Once he started cooking again , it was much better and more strength meant we could get out and walk and enjoy the sunshine . Chemo may change all this but we are moving forward anyway

My husband is.going through the same thing. Have you found anything that helps put weight on him?

My heart goes out to you , we had this situation before the Whipple where in a very short time frame my husband lost -50 lbs he did not need to loose at 6 1/2 feet . We tried everything . Bottom line it came down to whatever he wanted . He could not stomach boost , power drinks and the like but forced himself to drink them
(Hi calories hi protein in a smaller volume . Post Whipple he is eating and has a super good appetite . The list posted is excellent , just keep trying . I know it means a lot of grocery trips every time someone suggests something else but just keep trying and please don’t take it personally . My husband has already gained 10 lbs back and it’s barely 2months post op . I do fear for what happens with the chemo he starts on Monday. , but one day at a time . We already have several home
Made soups stocked up in the freezer I. Case of no appetite . Hang in there .

Do very sorry for the terrible news you just got about your grandma’s cancer. My wife is battling pancreatic cancer as well but your situation is so much worse. I hope that your grandma’s relatively young age will help her fight this and beat it. Great motivation for her is to see you graduate! Best of luck to you both!!!

Hi, my husband has the same taste problem. He has chemo for 4.5 mos. now and he doesn’t enjoy food like before. But he tries to eat so that he’d stop losing more weight. I’ve been making smoothies and that seemed to be Ok for him.