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Eating Well During Cancer Treatment

Overview

Eating well when you have cancer means eating enough to prevent weight loss and keep your strength up. Cancer and cancer treatments can make it harder for your body to get what it needs from the food you eat. And your body needs good nutrition to prevent infection and heal quickly. You may feel better and have more energy if you eat the right kinds of food before, during, and after your treatment.

You may find it hard to eat during treatment for cancer because:

  • You may have problems with side effects of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores.
  • You may have a dry mouth or trouble swallowing after radiation treatments.
  • Foods may taste different.
  • You may not feel like eating if you are uncomfortable, tired, depressed, or anxious.

Some people continue to enjoy food throughout most of their cancer treatment. Others may have days when they don't feel like eating at all. Even the thought of food may make them feel sick. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Eat food that has protein and extra calories to help you keep your strength and prevent weight loss. Try a liquid meal replacement for extra calories and protein. Milk shakes are good choices.
  • Your appetite may be better early in the day. Try having your main meal of the day early. Or you may find it easier to eat smaller meals more often, instead of three large meals. You may feel more like eating if you do not cook your own foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially when you don't feel like eating. Water is good but lacks calories and electrolytes. Consider carrying a water bottle with you during the day. You can fill it with a sports drink, such as Gatorade or Powerade, which has calories and electrolytes. That may help you get into the habit of drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Don't worry too much if you have a day where you cannot eat at all. Do what you can to make yourself feel better and start eating as soon as you feel better. Be sure to tell your doctor if you still can't eat after 1 or 2 days.

If you have serious problems eating and cannot get enough nutrients in your body, you may need to get nutrients another way. This can be done through a tube placed into your stomach or through intravenous (I.V.) fluids.

Good eating habits for people who have cancer may be very different from normal healthy eating guidelines. Additional information about nutrition is provided by the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patient.

Credits

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Houston Cardiovascular Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded HCA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary