Preparation for chemotherapy

FormerMember
FormerMember
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My father is starting chemotherapy in September, with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. He is 82 and has lost a lot of weight.

Is there any way to best prepare his organism for the side effects of Chemo? For example, strengthen his veins to withstand, etc?

Sorry if my questions sound naive, I am just trying to be prepared on what to expect and how I can help if something arises,

mostly practical solutions.

  • Hi Margia86..... Unusual question, having had chemo myself and unfortunately know of many people who have i think we all experience it differently. As far as i know there is nothing out there to strengthen his veins, i am sure i would have heard if there was, as this is something every chemo patient suffers with.I would have a word with his oncologist and ask if you could have a chat to a hospital nutritonlist and dietitians. They will be able to help with his diet and help him put on some weigh ready to handle the chemo. You tend to loose your appetite and sense of taste on some chemo, so dont be to surprised by that. when i was on it and this goes for my friends to we just got in all the foods we liked best , and ate what we felt like sometimes having breakfast for lunch, and evening meal for breakfast, sometimes you just dont feel like it. There are drinks you can get on the NHS that have all the nutrition you need so look into that too. All the best