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

Sounds like a great find. Surely this will help others reading your post. Best wishes.

Since my husband (the Ca pt) hates the taste of Boost and any other prepared Protein drink, (and trust me we have tried everything we can find) I did find that the Can of Boost Powder does not leave the after taste of chalk in any way. So I put that in smoothies, in puddings in anything I dare and he is willing to take that. Means he gets high calorie, Hi Carb,, Hi protein in low volume and it is working so far. Boost Powder , is a large can available on Amazon and in Walmart , I havent seen it anywhere else, Im told it was orginally Carnation Instant Breakfast and has been bought and rebranded as Boost,

Boost or Ensure with ice cream taste really good. You can also add some flavored or unflavored protein powder. Powdered milk in creamy soups, pudding, tapioca, etc. will add protein and creaminess. I also add tofu to my dishes for additional protein, and add salad dressing to chicken, beef and fish for extra flavor and moisture. Hope this helped in some small way!

Thank you. This is a very lonely journey. Have u had any luck with trials? I am hoping he will start feeling better on every other week of gem abrasive. 2x in a row was just too much. Only time will tell. Sending Gods blessings to you and your loved one. Ditto...reach out anytime.

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