Coping with emotions

[Anonymous]

@brenda2020 

Emotional times, when things are acute I think we as caregivers run on autopilot. Are you able to slip in an occasional 5 minute self care moment?

[Victorious]

Sorry to hear your mum is not eating well. Have you tried giving her Sustagen (twice a day)? Or try blending stews or soups into a puree  or thin liquid form.

[Victorious]

I’ll remember this drink should my husband need it. He has oesophageal cancer and is currently resting to recover for a major surgery early June. He is finding it hard to swallow, so I blend his meals.

[brenda2020]

she drinks sustegen with water , 3 spoons with 200ml water. unfortunately milk is no good for her. im going to try lactose free milk.. do you recommend any other type of less painful milk for the stomach?

[kj]

Have you tried A2 milk .

[brenda2020]

yes. its still no good.. 😞

[Victorious]

Yes, give it a try and hope your mum can tolerate lactose free milk. Options to try are almond milk or soy milk. Hope one of these alternatives will help your mum. 

[Andrea2450z]

Hi, my mom has stomach cancer as well. Unfortunately for her they discovered it way too late. However, when she was getting her first few sessions of chemo, I used to give her blended oatmeal with water which can be refreshing for them and soothing for their stomach, this can also give them lots of energy as well. Any juices but homemade like pear, Apple, strawberry can also be good, I usually mix this with 2 tablespoons of oatmeal to make it like a "protein shake", this can help for when they don't really seem to have any appetite. As for soups, I boil a little piece of meat or chicken, along with a few potatoes, then blend it all, they don't have to eat the whole bowl of soup, with just a few tablespoons throughout the day, it can be good for when they don't really want anything else. I hope it helps and wish you and your mom the best.

[brenda2020]

my mothers having sustagen with milk everyday now :):)

[brenda2020]

thanks Andrea. 

initially it was really hard, but now my mother is no longer in pain. which means the chemo has worked to kill the bad cells in her stomach. From dringking gaviscon 3 times a day, she only has it once in a while. Also able to have bread without pain. Im so grateful!!

its been 3 months, and the doctor said to continue with her treatment.. so we are going every fortnight for now...