Immunotherapy treatment

Hi Tran,

Sorry to read your post, sounds like your Mum is in real trouble here. My guess here is that immunotherapy has created a demand for protein that hasn't been answered and the cancer has created a similar demand for calories.

When I went onto immunotherapy (Keytruda) the oncologist told me I would need to eat plenty of protein because I needed to make extra white blood cells to fight off the cancer. That's what immunotherapy does - it uses the immune system to switch on the white blood cells against cancer. People with cancer need to eat a bit more anyway because weight loss is a common symptom.

The Dietary Reference Intake says how much protein is needed normally, but when I looked up the Protein Intake Calculator on bodybuilding.com I found their answer was twice what the DRI said. You should be able to calculate if your Mum's getting enough, but it sounds very much like she isn't. Bottom line: your Mum needs to pig out on high protein foods. Protein supplements for sports are the way to go, otherwise the sheer volume of food will overwhelm appetite.

Hope this is helpful and good luck to your Mum.
kind regards
Steve

Hi Steve, thank you for your reply, it’s getting increasingly difficult to encourage her to eat and drink properly, we all live together and I work from home so fortunately I cook and can keep an eye on her, but she scarcely eats, feels nauseous at times but won’t take the anti sickness tablets, is in pain but doesn’t like taking pain killers, even simple paracetamol.  I’ve been shopping this morning and got some snacks she likes, nuts crisps etc on the basis that something is better than nothing, she has never liked milky drinks, the hospital gave her some drinks to try that add calories but she not over keen as they’re too sweet, even watered down, I’ve also asked her about what favourite dishes and foods so that I can make them for her, but I do know that she also rebels against pressure to do/eat something, even if it’s the best thing for her.  Honestly it’s like she’s fading away in front of me, because in real terms she is.

so sorry for your stressful time looking after your beloved mother.  Do you have a physio because my husband has a physio and has heelped alot to encourage exercise and helps with psychological feelings and appetite wishing it works out well with love and dhugs to you E x