Frequently Asked Questions

Archive of questions posed about exercise, nutrition and cancer, answered by OncoLink experts.

Nutrition

Nutrition and Chemotherapy after Gastric Bypass Surgery Question I had gastric bypass surgery about 5 years ago. Now I am about to start treatment for colon cancer with chemo. I am really worried about how to manage nutrition with this combination. Any advice appreciated! Answer Katrina Claghorn, Registered Dietician at Penn Medicine, responds: Managing your nutritional status during treatment may
Nutritional Supplements Drinks after Radiation Question My husband has trouble with thick secretions after radiation, but also we are trying to maintain his weight. People had suggested Boost, but I am worried that" a milk-like product" will only make things thicker. Are there other options? Answer Valaree Williams MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Department of Radiation Oncology
Nutritional Status and TPN My father has had a total small bowel and sub-total large bowel resection due to a carcinoid tumor. He is currently on a total TPN diet but continues to lose weight and is spending a lot of time in the hospital I feel he is not getting the proper amount of protein in his TPN. Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Liquid Nutrition Supplements Should I take liquid nutrition supplements during my cancer treatment? Katrina Claghorn, RD, Oncology Dietitian for The University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds: Maintaining your nutrition status during the course of cancer treatment is a goal shared by the medical team.However the side effects of the
Post-Gastrectomy Nutrition Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My father had a gastrectomy for his gastric cancer 3 weeks ago. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The main problem for him now is discomfort after eating even small amounts of food. We feel he is not getting enough nutrition. I would like to know what type of diet my father should be on? And
Nutrition During Bone Marrow Transplant Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am a Staff Nurse doing a research project on nutrition and bone marrow transplant. I was wondering whether you had any up to date information inthis field. I am particularly interested in nutrition during the neutropenicstage. I appreciate your assistance in this matter. Thank youM.W.
Lung Cancer and Diet and Nutrition What would you recommend for a lung cancer patient, taking chemotherapy as far as diet and nutrition are concerned? Can diet and nutrition contribute to improvement? Katrina Claghorn, MS, RD, registered dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds: The goal during chemotherapy is
Total Parenteral Nutrition concerns Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. She was placed on Total Parenteral Nutrition. Is this nutrition complete for her? Can it cause her cholesterol to skyrocket because of the fat included? Her nurse mentioned that it contains large doses of sugar therefore; insulin is also given to her. Can this
Being proactive with your nutrition when receiving cancer treatment to the head and neck area Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have recently undergone surgery for removal of an encapsulated squamous cell tumor on the right side of my neck (and a small piece from the back of my tongue). The oral surgeons removed all of my remaining teeth as a precondition for the seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy that I will begin next week. I am
Nutrition During Interferon Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My brother has been diagnosed with melanoma, stage four. I will be his caregiver when he has his 30 days of Interferon. I know he will be very sick. I would like to know what foods we should stay away from and what I should include in his diet. Any suggestions on what to feed him and should he be taking a
Nutritional Supplements #19; Non-Mucus Forming Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What are some liquid, non-mucus forming nutritional supplements, preferably over the counter? My relative has head/neck cancer, has completed radiation therapy, and has a feeding (PEG) tube. Ellen Sweeney Cordes, RD, Registered Dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:Dairy
Nutrition for Cancer Patients after Gastric Bypass Surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My friend has stage II ovarian cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy - 2nd treatment following debulking surgery. Prior to her diagnosis, she had stomach reduction surgery. She is having an exceptionally hard time post chemo treatments with dehydration and low potassium level. I am an OC Survivor
Nutritional Changes Following Substantial Colon Resection Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am looking for information about changes in bowel habits, changes in diet, other practical hints, tips, etc. after substantial colon resection following surgery involving two synchronous cancers with many polyps. The rectum will remain intact. And colostomy is not anticipated. MF
Nutrition for cancer patients after gastric bypass surgery Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My friend has stage II ovarian cancer (OC) and is currently undergoing chemotherapy - 2nd treatment following debulking surgery. Prior to her diagnosis, she had stomach reduction surgery. She is having an exceptionally hard time with dehydration and low potassium levels after her chemo treatments. I am an OC
Nutritional tips for radiation induced esophagitis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After radiation treatment of 2 weeks, my throat is so sore that even with painkillers, I cannot get food down. Now I have the added complication of nausea and vomiting. The medicine given for the nausea is sporadic in its affect. Can you suggest anything that I can drink or eat? Ellen Sweeney, RD,
Nutritional Status Druring Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My father was recently diagnosed with epiglottis cancer, and he just had his first chemo treatment and the first week of radiation. Are there any suggestions that you have in regards to what he would be able to eat? Should we have a nutritionist? Your article was very informational, thank you. You told me things
Options for Nutritional Supplements Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My husband gets diarrhea from Ensure Plus. He has NOT lost weight yet but we are trying to be proactive. Can you please recommend a nutritional product less likely to cause diarrhea?Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:Many, many people report diarrhea from
Nutritional Supplements During Cancer Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there any herbals or other nutritional supplements that should be avoided during chemo/radiation? Do any help?Karen Wagner MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian specialist for the Abramson Cancer Center, responds:The area of herbal medicine use during cancer treatment is exciting, but still very understudied.
Nutrition and Diarrhea After Whipple Surgery Question I have had such a hard time with eating after Whipple surgery. Can you help me to get better nutrition and to deal with the diarrhea? Do certain foods make it worse? Is this going to be a permanent problem? Lauren Ginipro, Registered Dietician at Penn Medicine responds: After a Whipple procedure you will need to follow a low fat diet-
Feeding Tubes and Radiation for Esophageal Cancer Question I had a consult with a radiation doctor for esophageal cancer. He said I need a feeding tube. That seemed kind of premature to me- do I really need that? Answer Liz Prechtel-Dunphy, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Penn Medicine, responds: Feeding tubes are important in patients with esophageal cancer whether they are getting single