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

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.

I completely understand since I face the same situation. I am constantly going to the market every time my husband has a taste of something. I drive to the grocery store at least twice a day. But sometimes I am not successful. It’s makes me feel like a failure . But the good news I have been more successful than failure. However, he is still not gaining weight . My husband is pure bones and I tried to see him pass his weight because I just cry. All I see is he is disappearing in front of me.

I just found out that my grandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at 62. I know it's quite early to seek support during this, but I am still in high school, and she is my primary caregiver. I can't help but let my mind wonder to helpless areas like imagining her not seeing me walk across that stage. She has always been a fighter and my biggest supporter. I began noticing changes in her in the past few months. Her appetite has been completely lost and doesn't enjoy foods like she once did. I know I should focus on my academics and my future, but it is so hard to do so when it primarily revolved around her. I always wanted to succeed for her. So, when I see her energy deteriorating, I can only feel my heart break more and more. I also feel completely unhelpful, and it's eating me alive, but I know I must keep trying my hardest for her.

Alot of fruits like berries papaya pineapple or even avocado

Carbohydrates for Sustained Energy:
Oats:
A good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and iron, providing a steady energy release.
Sweet Potatoes:
Packed with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin A, offering sustained energy.
Brown Rice:
A whole grain that's high in fiber and helps maintain steady energy levels.
Bananas:
Rich in carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6, providing a quick energy boost.
Apples:
Offer a natural sugar and fiber mix for a slow and steady energy release.
Whole Grains:
Opt for whole grain breads, cereals, and other products for sustained energy.
Protein and Healthy Fats for Long-Lasting Energy:
Eggs:
High in protein and B vitamins, supporting sustained energy release.
Nuts and Seeds:
Rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering a sustained release of energy.
Fatty Fish (Salmon):
A good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for overall health and energy levels.
Legumes (Beans, Lentils):
Provide a good source of protein and fiber, contributing to sustained energy.
Avocados:
Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados can deliver lasting energy.

I took a cheep ginger ale to my 2nd chemo treatment and started drinking it right before and had no mouth reactions! Big difference from my first treatment!!! So took ginger ale to all of the rest of my twice a month for 6 months chemo treatment!!!
It worked Great for me!
“It did have sugar in it. Not sure if that besides the ginger, helped! I do know that if you burn your mouth on something hot, a spoonful of sugar stops the burn.
And I have tried it on a burn on my arm and it worked!!!”

I tried about everything and the magic mouthwash was the only relief from th mouthsores.

Better than the awful and expensive "magic mouthwash" is to try drinking a double "shot glass" of buttermilk daily. Wait 20 minutes before drinking anything else. My oncologist recommended the buttermilk. It works! & No, I am not a fan of the taste, but it is better than a sore mouth.

The nurses in the infusion room told my husband to rinse with water/baking soda/salt to help prevent the mouth sores and that has worked for him. I put about 1/4 tsp of baking soda and salt in a cup of water.
Like you... we're only 71 and were very active kayakers/hikers and I thought we'd be doing that for another decade at least. Trying to find other ways to spend time together, though he is finding walking difficult now. We just ordered a mobility scooter that hopefully as nice weather arrives we will be able to get outside with that.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/expert-answers/magic-mouthwash/faq-20058071
The "magic mouthwash" in that link was effective, if used 4 times a day, on the terrible mouth sores I suffered from due to chemo. You'll have to have your Dr. call it in to a compounding pharmacy that can mix it up for you. It's perishable and must be kept in your 'fridge. And I agree on the Boost supplement. It won't cause the mouth sore pain to flare. Hope this helps.

Hi my mom has a liver transplant have you tried the boost high calorie protein shakes those seem to have the last calories. Best wishes