The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community: Trouble eating, weight loss?

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4 Replies Last post: Aug 4, 2009 10:12 AM by Cookie Monster

earl

3 posts since
Jul 6, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

Jul 21, 2009 7:08 PM

Trouble eating, weight loss?

Hi,

My 79 yr old dad was recently diagnosed with an aggressive T-cell lymphoma which has left him very week. Last week he finished his 1st cycle of chemo. He wasn't eating much before the chemo and he is still having trouble eating now. He has already lost 17 lbs. over the past 3-4 weeks. 6 weeks ago he was a relatively active man, now he needs a walker and help to move around the house. The doctor says he must eat and get enough nourishment. But my dad says food doesn't taste right and he is not able to force himself to eat very much.

I saw one post who said they smoked pot, and that cured their nausea and allowed him to eat. I don't know if my dad would go for that, but are there other remedies, suggestions out there that can help with eating? Are there pot like pills the doctor can prescribe that does the same affect as smoking?

Any help is greatly appreciated,

Earl

Tex

2,856 posts since
Apr 3, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

1. Jul 22, 2009 12:44 PM

in response to: earl

Re: Trouble eating, weight loss?

Just a quick answer as this isn't really a field of experience with me. There is a pill called Marinol which is derived from pot. I've heard it's worked for some folks. You might ask your dad's doc about it.

Blessings

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Cookie Monster

370 posts since
Apr 9, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

2. Aug 3, 2009 3:20 PM

in response to: earl

Re: Trouble eating, weight loss?

Hi Earl,

Sorry your Dad is going through this and you've had little response. I just now found this part of the discussion board. I completely forgot it was part of the other board and is over here on this one too. Grr!

Okay, so, the problem I had with eating is that food needed to have lots of flavor, not spicy, but flavor. One of my favorite meals while taking treatment was Chicken Marsala. Also, if your Dad isn't adverse to sugar right night, you might try Ensure or even Carnation Instant Breakfast for some nutrition. You could probably add some protein powder to the Instant Breakfast too.

I found water tasted awful too and had to add a little juice to it. I used "all juice" juices. No added sugar or other stuff. It helped a lot. I did force myself to eat though because I knew it was part of the "medicine" my body needed to recoop during and after treatment.

Keep us updated, please on your dad's condition.

Blessings,
Jane

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earl

3 posts since
Jul 6, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

3. Aug 3, 2009 4:13 PM

in response to: Cookie Monster

Re: Trouble eating, weight loss?

Thank you so much for your response Jane. My dad is doing better. He eats 5 or 6 smaller meals/snacks per day now. He seems to like meals that are more of a rich soup/sauce consistancy and robust flavor. He still can only eat a small amount though. He also tries to drink the Ensure between meals, but not that much. Somethimes my mom puts it over ice cream, but generally he doesn't like things that are cold. He doesn't seem to be loosing any more weight, but he is very tired, weak and takes lots of naps throughout the day.

He goes in for his 2nd chemo cycle tomorrow. He is stronger than when he had his first, so hopefully it will be easier on him.

Kind Regards,

Earl

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Cookie Monster

370 posts since
Apr 9, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

4. Aug 4, 2009 10:12 AM

in response to: earl

Re: Trouble eating, weight loss?

Hi Earl,

I'm so glad to hear that your Dad is eating better and is stronger. I'll hope and pray that today's treatment goes smoothly and any side effects can be managed well.

How are you holding up in all of this?

Blessings,

Jane

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Jul 21, 2009 7:08 PM

Trouble eating, weight loss?

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