What should I have in the fridge for chemo?

[Kat]

Hello--
Patrick is to start 2 rounds of BEP on August 24. I feel pretty well prepared---we've got the tea tree mouthwash, and his doctor has a couple others for mouth sores, we're taking the "chemo class" tomorrow, he's having all his preliminary tests this week and next (blood markers, CBC, pulmonary function test, echo)....now I'm working on my grocery list. What do I need to have in the house....hand sanitizer, lysol....I've heard a lot of people really like scrambled eggs during chemo....what foods has everyone else found helpful during chemo?
Also, I've managed to not slap or threaten to kill anyone yet! I'm very proud of this.
Any words of wisdom?
Thanks!

[Already Bald]

Kat,
Protein is good for rebuilding the good cells, so eggs are great.
Some say not to eat your favroite meals, because you may lose taste for them post chemo.

It is very important to stay hydrated during the entire process- lots of gateraid, water, all and any kinds of fluids. Even a stout beer at night, if the doc permits it.

Keep in mind, anything coming out of his body will be toxic. Sweat, urine, and such- need to be cleaned up right away. If you have kids or pets, try to have him use his own bathroom.

I think if I had to go through it again, I would eat lots of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Nothing too spicy though. (Yummy ice cream would be the perfect thing for him to work off on next years LAF Challenge!)

[TC Destroyer]

Everyone reacts a little different. The mouth sore are pretty rare for 2 X BEP. This only happens during High Dose chemo usually. Make sure he has an extra soft tooth brush and brushes after every meal(you should anyways right?) do not floss when his counts are depressed though.(risk of infection)

I prefered alot of dairy based foods, so that it wouldn't be too bad if it came back up. Deffinately have stuff that he normally doesn't eat though. stay away from his favorites until his naseau has subsided.

I couldn't keep eggs down during chemo though... that's is just me though. He will want and probably crave certain foods. Alot of poeple eat fruit and take vitamins, IU told me not to. something about it could counter act the chemo due to anti-oxidants.

I had bagels and cream cheese for breakfast alot. lucky charms. Starburst chews or Werthers were nice after premeds to try and combat the after taste.

Poweraid or Gatoraid, perfect for Hydration, water gets old quick. I also drank alot of tea.

I basically had junk food and tried to keep on as much weight as possible.

Make sure you have a reliable thermometer while nuetropenic it is good to take his temperature periodically. I would get an oral vs the rectal A joke ha!

I hope all goes well, Keep laughing,

John

[TC Destroyer]

I think if I had to go through it again, I would eat lots of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Nothing too spicy though.

One note on this-

Stay away from sodium, if you do tomato soup get the low sodium. Man did that not go as well as I thought it would. blah!

[Kat]

Okay, I have to ask....."random other places"? Did you have nut cancer in your toenails?

:-)


Thanks for the help with shopping. He's so frackin' sick of soup, though, because he had chylous ascites, and is JUST starting to eat "real" food again, i.e., fat. Sigh, sigh, sigh.

[cjjones]

Food was a challenge for my husband. Do not buy alot of one thing at first. At first sweets tasted good but soon changed and then it was only salty things. The fist day of chemo he said the jolly ranchers helped so my mom bought him a Big bag. The next few days he could not eat anything sweet the rest of chemo treatments. I had to donate it to the chemo area for their candy jar. It will be frustrating trying to get them food as they are frustrated because nothing will sound good.
Instant Carnation breakfast was something that he was able to drink when not much sounded good.
Good luck!

[Kat]

Oooh! Good call on the Carnation.....I hadn't thought of that! And also wise words on the not-buying-too-much-of-one-thing. I have a tendency to go way overboard, so I'm glad someone can talk me down. :-)

[TC Destroyer]

If you saw my toe nails you would think they were cancerous.

Good point on the carnation Breakfast I too had these, well I had Ensure and Boost brand because that is what the hospital recommended and had on hand. alot of protien in those. Don't worry he will tell you what he wants and more than likely it will be something you don't have on hand. Don't get frustrated, now you know how we feel when you women get pregnant and demand mayonaise and pickles on Coconut Ice Cream at 2:15 AM.
Ha Haaaa! Now the tables have turned!!!

[Kat]

It's funny you should say the pregnant thing----we went to "chemo class" last night---SOOO much fun, by the way-----and the instructor/nurse told us that a) chemo is like a really bad pregnancy, and b) to "treat yourself like a baby---if you want to eat, eat! if you want to sleep, have a nap!" That was probably the only amusing thing about chemo class, I have to say. Other than the video....that was priceless. They go on and on and on about how every fluid, sweat, blood, urine, vomit, coming out of your body is toxic, and not washing laundry together, and blah blah blah, and then have a ten minute segment about how important it is for intimacy, and well being, and yada yada, to continue having sex during chemo. And I thought.....toxic semen? That's just an adult-rated comic book waiting to happen. The Toxic Uniball Avenger! Destroying cancer with his radioactive, chemotherapeutic spooge!!!! Fighting crime with dry toast and Carnation Instant Breakfast! Blinding evil-doers with his shiny head!!!
:-) Sigh.

[moridorr]

I had 2 rounds of BEP and I had a large supply of water and gatorade ready to go. As for solid foods I ate what I could keep down. I would reccomend staying away from heavy foods such as pasta and steaks as they tend ti sit in your belly nad make you feel bloated and weighed down. I remember soft pretzels were really good after the treatment. If you have to have caffeine or something with alot of sodium in it make sure you drink plenty of fluids, you have to keep your kidneys going during the week of treatment.