Maintaining excellent nutrition is vital for persons who have been diagnosed with cancer. Proper nutrition helps cancer patients face treatment sessions with reserves to help keep up strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain defenses against infection. Additionally, people who eat well are better able to cope with any side effects of cancer treatments and may even be able to handle higher doses of certain drugs.
When healthy, eating enough food to maintain proper nutrition is not usually a problem, but during cancer treatment, a person may suffer from lack of appetite. Under these circumstances, the person should simply try to eat anything that he or she can easily digest.
On treatment days:
- Talk with the nurse to learn about ways to relax if feeling sick before treatment.
- Learn the best time to eat and drink. Some people feel better when they eat a little just before treatment. Others feel better when they have nothing to eat or drink before treatment.
- After treatment, wait at least one hour before eating or drinking.
Some foods and drinks that may be easier on a cancer patient's stomach include:
- Clear broth
- Grape juice
- Baked chicken without skin
- Crackers
- Pasta
- White rice
- Baked potatoes
- Bananas
- Gelatin
- Yogurt
- Popsicles
At Independence-4-Seniors, we can help individuals who are going through cancer treatments maintain a healthy diet by planning and preparing nutritious meals, or putting the client in touch with community resources, such as dietitians and nutritionists, who can provide dietary counseling during the treatment process. Contact Independence-4-Seniors of Hinsdale for more information on how we can be of assistance during this crucial time.