I do not believe killing people is medical care. Doctors are suppose to take an oath, " Though shall do not harm "
I also learned as a small child -- " Though shall not kill " In some states here in the USA they have legalized murder, doctors can prescribe meds that will kill you.
On the other hand if chemo or other treatments are not going to make a difference , you are not obliged to take them.
There are many things you can do for people with health problems, pain control, nausea, etc etc
Do them. Help them. The Lord knows when your time is.
Planning healthy menus and plant base diet ideas for patients form the Dana Farber Cancer INstitute... Studies have shown best kind of diet is plant based and grain healthy diet also
At every meal, you should strike a healthy balance of foods by planning your plate into these sections:
1/2 vegetables and/or fruits
1/4 protein
1/4 whole grains
A small amount of healthy fats
Plenty of water
ProteinProtein is necessary for the growth and repair of all the cells in your body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, muscles, and hormones. Protein is made up of amino acids, some of which cannot be made by your body. When selecting a protein, choose lean, high-quality sources.
Hi Mtienes,
I got this in my email today and thought of your post. It is a long read on here. It looked a lot shorter online. It is from LungCancer.About.com I posted the link at the bottom in case you rather read it from its source. SENDING YOU HUGS, HOPE AND HEALING THOUGHTS!
Loss of appetite, referred to by doctors as anorexia, is a common symptom during treatment for lung cancer (anorexia differs from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, a psychological illness in which patients starve themselves). What causes anorexia, how is it treated, and what can you do to cope, to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need?
What Causes Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) During Cancer Treatment?
Many things can lower your appetite during cancer treatment. These include symptoms related to the cancer, side effects of treatment, and your body’s response to the cancer.
Importance
Most people with advanced cancer have some degree of anorexia. Decreased nutrition due to appetite changes can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, and wasting (cachexia). Knowing the effect of poor nutrition on treatment response, oncologists are increasingly addressing the role of nutrition in cancer patients. Nutritional support has been shown to result in:
Fewer infections after surgery
Better control of cancer-related symptoms
Shorter hospital stays
Greater ability of cancer survivors to tolerate treatments
Better overall response to treatment
Improved quality of life for those living with cancer
Treatment
Several treatment options are available to help with appetite, and also help maintain your weight during cancer treatment. Some of these include
1. Nutritional evaluation/counseling - Many cancer centers are offering nutritional counseling and support for those living with cancer.
2. Treatment of underlying causes – Other symptoms related to cancer or treatment can add to poor appetite. It is important to share any of these symptoms with your oncologist so they can be addressed:
Mouth sores
Taste changes
Fatigue
Depression
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Shortness of breath
Pain
Medications – Some medications (such as pain medications) can interfere with appetite and may need to be changed, or the dosage altered
3. Supplements – Some oncologists will recommend nutritional supplements to boost your calorie intake
4. Medications – Your physician may recommend a medication to stimulate your appetite, or help with transit through your digestive tract. A few of these medications are:
Steroids such as Decadron (dexamethasone)
Megace (megestrol)
Reglan (metaclopramide)
Cannabinoids (Medical marjuana and Marinol)
5. Artificial nutrition – This includes Enteral nutrition (tube feeding), or parenteral nutrition (nutrients delivered to the body via a catheter into a vein in the arm or chest) – Your physician may discuss these options with you if you are unable to eat due to swallowing difficulties or other problems.
6. Complimentary therapies - Complimentary/alternative therapies (such as herbal supplements and meditation) are being looked at for their role in assisting with appetite in cancer survivors.
Coping
Cancer treatment not only decreases appetite, but you may become full more quickly when eating. A few tips may help you boost your calories when you don’t feel particularly hungry:
Eat small portions frequently instead of 3 large meals daily
Make your environment pleasing. Dine with family and friends. Play music. Use lighting that feels comfortable
Light exercise can sometimes stimulate appetite. Ask your oncologist for her recommendations
Eat nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein – Good choices include nuts, cheese and crackers, ice cream, peanut butter, and puddings
Have food on hand that you enjoy and is easy to prepare
Find foods that are comfortable to eat if you have mouth sores or taste changes
Drink fluids between meals to avoid becoming full too fast
Fatigue is a big factor for many cancer survivors when it comes to cooking – Accept your loved one’s willingness to bring meals, freeze leftovers for another meal, and ask your friends if they would mind preparing meals ahead of time that you can freeze for a quick dinner
Eat whenever you feel hungry
Try different foods – Sometimes a change in routine can make food more “interesting” and tempting
When to Call the Doctor
Make sure you keep your doctor updated on your appetite, as well as anything that is interfering with your ability to eat. Call between visits if you:
Are unable to eat for 24 hours (sooner if you are unable to swallow fluids)
Have difficulty swallowing, or if eating is otherwise painful
Develop abdominal pain
Lose 5 pounds or more
If you note any signs of dehydration such as loss of skin tone, strong smelling urine, or are not urinating as frequently as usual
http://lungcancer.about.com/od/livingwi ... a.htm?nl=1
I really like the look of the new message boards. You can even "like this" in the bottom right corner.
Thank you for starting the Just for Fun today Donna! The sun is shinning here in Dallas also, it's about 90 degrees out today. I am looking forward to those Fall temps I keep hearing everyone else is having.