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They're calling it "Chemo Fog"


BlueWolf6457

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This is what the people at the cancer center are calling what my sister has. ALWAYS tired, falls asleep all the time, doesn't respond to questions, etc. They prescribed an anti narcolepsy med but of course the insurance company hasn't approved it yet or we would try it this weekend.

She continues to lose weight, gets fluids three days a week (which has now given her water retention in her legs), and is always cold because she takes in nearly NO protein. I have tried just about everything I can do to help her fight these side effects. Anyone have any other ideas? She gets her second "round" of the chemo drugs beginning on the 23rd.

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have you tried smoothies by chance ? add some muscle and protein powder from a GNC or health food store like body builders take??? some frozen fruit strawberries yogurt and milk and it should be whole or heavy cause needs the fat in it.. Not sure bout the cheom fog situation though.... will see who I can get to chime in and help!!! A friend of mine suggests Carnation instant High protein Breakfast with ice cream to a  milk shake consistency and also very imporrtant is eat and feed when your hungry not on a schedule!!!

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http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/health-wellness/default.aspx#.VGdM8GeO1eM

 

 you might find something usefull here also!!! try this link I found above!!

 

also good info

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  • US State: ILLINOIS
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Posted 31 August 2009 - 12:15 PM

When my hubby was released from his last trip to the hospital he only weighed 160 pds from his original weight of 200. At first I just gave him "healthy foods" and avoided sugar. I learned that sugar isn't a fuel for cancer at all since then so I began giving him anything he wanted. I take him food four times a day (small meals) and include the ensure plus. Sometimes I'll blend the ensure with bananas, peanut butter and protein powder. He has actually gained 20 lbs back and I'm thrilled. He's still picky but at least he'll eat and the pounds are coming back on. Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

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Make sure sister gets plenty of fluids.. the culprit almost sounds like dehydration ... the fogginess and the muscle spasms could be dehydration related.... A trip to the hospital for fluids is not fun.... not sure on the eating .. my advice is to eat when you wnat to eat not whaen your supposed to eat..... need to get protein in body to fight Cachexia which is loss of muscle mass.... I know it is scary and trying to be as big of help as possible.. thanks!!!

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also remember sometimes hospital is best place to be to get everything fixed and on track Just in case things happen... thoughts and prayers for you, sis, and family!!!!

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http://forums.lungevity.org/index.php?/topic/40005-a-potential-new-therapy-for-cancer-related-weight-loss/?hl=cachexia

 

Follow this link and give it a read through.. Dr Jack west is our resident oncologist from Swedish INstitute in Seattle and specializes in Lung Cancer treatment!! might be worth asking about possibly.... might find some info in this post also!! but remeber hospital is not a bad thing in case!!!! these are thoughts and ideas that have worked in past for other folks here.... 

 

Since my mom will only eat a 1/2 of a small Mc.D burger a day and sometimes some applesauce one thing I found was to hide Organic Flaxseed Oil in her burger. Is very good for the heart (and I think can help reduce/prevent edema) and adds extra 45 calories per teaspoon. Also Vit A, C and E have all been recommended for pulmonary/cancer issues. Mom sometimes will drink the Orange-Orange Vitamin Water from Glaceau and I add a pack of Emergen-C Super Orange to it for extra Vit C and nutrients. She always says she feels a bit better after having some of it. :) Sometimes I add Polycose to some applesauce to help give her a few extra calories as well. I am no doctor, so check with your mom's nurse/doctor first to make sure no alternative measures (extra vitamins, certain foods, etc) interact badly with your mom's specific condition.


I have enclosed a few links below that have helped me some. I too am also looking for other alternatives (especially ones you can hide in foods/drinks for those stubborn parents that only like Mc.D's!) so I look forward to reading others responses. :)

* http://www.aicr.org/... ... foods_home
* http://www.curezone....fatspercent.asp
* http://www.cancure.o...hting_foods.htm
* http://www.metromedicalonline.com (currently has cheapest offers on Enlive, Polycose and Ensure. Can buy a case or individual)
* http://www.preventio... ... -0,00.html
* http://www.lungcance... ... ments.html
* http://www.drugs.com... ... -diet.html
* http://www.caregiver... ... nodeid=344
* http://www.lungusa.o...LUK9O0E&b=22547
* http://www.hospicefo...iceInfo/faq.asp

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  • 3 weeks later...

I ended up in the hospital with the dehydration and healthy food diet, for nearly a week (Chemo Fog-a month ago).  I am now way past it and am told to eat whatever I can, whenever I can.  I am now on the mend, and feel like I have won the battle.  I drink a lot of fluids, the edema is gone, some of the food still taste bad (beef)...but most taste pretty good (chicken). My electrolytes are nearly perfect--   I try to eat about every 2-2 1/2 hrs...lots of tuna salad, PB with honey, fish...fish...fish... all high proteins - in all manner.  I even ate a taco salad, yesterday, with a ton of fresh veggies, Wowsa! Not much for spicy foods...but???   I did go on line and looked up the most important veggies/fruits to eat.  Top 3 of the list was; watermelon, English cukes and tomatoes.  I have done everything I can to keep them in my diet on a daily basis.  Fell in love with fresh Mangos... 

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  • 1 year later...

If it is chemo fog or chemo brain i found a great article on a few simple tips that can help reverse those side effects. But remember, chemo fog is mostly to do with cognitive function like memory etc. If its nausea or fatigue then it might just be another side effect of chemotherapy unrelated to chemo fog. 

 

here is the link. 

 

http://www.cancermind.com/chemo-brain-treatment-help-study/

 

Hope that helps 

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