RESOURCE GUIDE / 2009

Features

About Cancer: What is Cancer?Understanding cancer means knowing it's more than one disease 

About Cancer: Cancer TherapiesAn easy-to-understand explanation of the various types of cancer treatment 

About Cancer: Pathology & StagingHow much, what it looks like, and where it is guide diagnosis and treatment 

At Diagnosis: Dealing With EmotionsHow to recognize normal reactions at diagnosis and when you need help 

At Diagnosis: Special Issues by AgeWhether you're diagnosed in your 30s or your 60s, age impacts what you do next 

Before Treatment: Medical DecisionsSix steps for handling the stress of choosing treatment 

Before Treatment: Seeking a Second OpinionWhy and how to get another opinion about your diagnosis or treatment 

Before Treatment: Understanding Clinical TrialsWhat you need to know to decide if a clinical trial is right for you 

Before Treatment: Insurance IssuesStrategies to make sure you're getting the most out of your insurance plan 

During Treatment: Side Effects of TherapyToxic effects caused by treatment have their own management strategies

During Treatment: Nutrition FactsAnswers to important questions about nutrition and diet 

During Treatment: Financial MattersOrganization and help are crucial in managing your finances during treatment 

After Treatment: A Post-Treatment PrescriptionPatients are no longer on their own when treatment ends 

After Treatment: Exercise & RecoveryPhysical activity can help improve mental and physical functioning after cancer treatment 

After Treatment: Back to 'Normal'Strategies help patients adjust to life after treatment 

For the Caregiver: A New RoleNavigating the challenging territory of caregiving 

For the Caregiver: Taking Care of YourselfHow and why caregivers should care for themselves 

Eating Well During Therapy

Given what we know about the benefits of nutrition and adequate calories and protein, nutrition therapy can be a strong ally during cancer and its treatment. Below is a list of tips to consider.

Boost Intake:

> Eat nutrient-dense foods first so you don’t get full too quickly on other things.

> Keep indulgent foods on hand for when absolutely nothing else will do.

> Add powdered milk to liquid milk. Sprinkle grated cheese in soups and on vegetables.

Lack of Energy:

> Ask for help with food shopping and meal preparation.

> Eat off disposable plates and use plastic utensils if you don’t feel up to washing dishes.

> Try finger foods. Cheese, bananas with peanut butter, and avocado sandwiches are quick and satisfying.

Nausea:

> Take anti-nausea medication as directed.

> Cold foods are often better tolerated.

> Make sure food preparation areas are properly ventilated. Odors may worsen nausea.

Mouth Sores:

> Choose soft textures and moisten solid foods with cheese sauce or gravy.

> Stay away from acidic, spicy, and salty items as well as tobacco and alcohol. These are irritating to the mouth.

> Take pain medication before meals or as prescribed by your physician. 

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