› Forums › General Melanoma Community › What to eat during interferon treatment
- This topic has 36 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 8 months ago by
mjanssentx.
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- September 1, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Hi, everyone! I'm new here. My husband has Stage 3C metastatic melanoma and just finished his 4 week course of 5 days a week IV interferon treatments. Now we're on the 3 a week injections.
He's down to 126 pounds. He's 6'1". The nausea has been bad, but so has the metallic taste in his mouth which makes everything he eats taste horrible and creates more nausea.
Any tips or tricks from those who have travelled this road before us?
Thanks in advance!
- Replies
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- September 1, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Hello there- Where is your husband being treated and is he seeing a Melanoma specialists?
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- September 1, 2015 at 7:51 pm
I'm on my 10th month of Interferon. I've not had problems with appetite or the metallic taste issues you are describing, but I've always heard that people in your husband's situation who need to gain or maintain weight should really find something or a few things they can tolerate and try to load up on those foods to keep the weight up. Eating with plastic utensils instead of metal may also help. He should probably look into an anti-nausea medication like Compazine if he's not already taking something already for nausea.
All this being said, it sounds to me like there's a serious quality of life issue and that maybe your husband should consider stopping the Interferon treatment. If he's just started the home injections, maybe you can give it a little time and see what happens. Some people recover from the first month a bit and tolerate the at-home injections better eventually. If he continues to tolerate the drug poorly, I'd strongly consider stopping the treatment. It just may not be worth the reduction in quality of life for a treatment of marginal effectiveness. 6-1, 126 sounds pretty underweight. I'd be sure to keep in close communication with the doctor and express your concerns to them during this time.
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- September 1, 2015 at 7:51 pm
I'm on my 10th month of Interferon. I've not had problems with appetite or the metallic taste issues you are describing, but I've always heard that people in your husband's situation who need to gain or maintain weight should really find something or a few things they can tolerate and try to load up on those foods to keep the weight up. Eating with plastic utensils instead of metal may also help. He should probably look into an anti-nausea medication like Compazine if he's not already taking something already for nausea.
All this being said, it sounds to me like there's a serious quality of life issue and that maybe your husband should consider stopping the Interferon treatment. If he's just started the home injections, maybe you can give it a little time and see what happens. Some people recover from the first month a bit and tolerate the at-home injections better eventually. If he continues to tolerate the drug poorly, I'd strongly consider stopping the treatment. It just may not be worth the reduction in quality of life for a treatment of marginal effectiveness. 6-1, 126 sounds pretty underweight. I'd be sure to keep in close communication with the doctor and express your concerns to them during this time.
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- September 1, 2015 at 7:51 pm
I'm on my 10th month of Interferon. I've not had problems with appetite or the metallic taste issues you are describing, but I've always heard that people in your husband's situation who need to gain or maintain weight should really find something or a few things they can tolerate and try to load up on those foods to keep the weight up. Eating with plastic utensils instead of metal may also help. He should probably look into an anti-nausea medication like Compazine if he's not already taking something already for nausea.
All this being said, it sounds to me like there's a serious quality of life issue and that maybe your husband should consider stopping the Interferon treatment. If he's just started the home injections, maybe you can give it a little time and see what happens. Some people recover from the first month a bit and tolerate the at-home injections better eventually. If he continues to tolerate the drug poorly, I'd strongly consider stopping the treatment. It just may not be worth the reduction in quality of life for a treatment of marginal effectiveness. 6-1, 126 sounds pretty underweight. I'd be sure to keep in close communication with the doctor and express your concerns to them during this time.
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- September 1, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Old fashioned, baked egg custard. It's actually reasonably decent good food — egg (protein), milk (think mineral balance), somewhat low in sugar. ET's mom baked egg custard everyday for a friend who was suffering through chemo to fight her lung cancer. It was the only thing she could hold down, and it got her through.
See here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-egg-custard-269983
I'd omit the nutmeg.
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- September 1, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Old fashioned, baked egg custard. It's actually reasonably decent good food — egg (protein), milk (think mineral balance), somewhat low in sugar. ET's mom baked egg custard everyday for a friend who was suffering through chemo to fight her lung cancer. It was the only thing she could hold down, and it got her through.
See here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-egg-custard-269983
I'd omit the nutmeg.
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- September 1, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Hi Sunshine: I'm sorry about your husband's SEs from treatment and wt loss. Hard to bear. My man @ 6'6" lost 25+ lbs in ICU after resection of his spinal mel almost 2 yrs ago. Got him home and gathered nutrition resources to try and build him back up. No appetite for a long while but no nausea either. Lucky. One resource you might find helpful is the Cancer Fighting Kitchen/Rebecca Katz. Found it at our local library, bought a copy. She is a chef who works with cancer pts in treatment/recovery. There are chapters addressing various issues inc taste alterations with tips on flavor appeal. I've used all of her advice and a lot of her recipes. Well received. He hasn't regained his 180lb pre op wt but he eats a lot now, is healthy except for his dormant (we hope) mel. He's on Keytruda X 11 mo. with only SEs itching and fatigue.
I have several other resources I've used to put together an organic, non GMO, non inflammatory, alkaline diet that is tasty, nutritious and supports healing. Be happy to share. Email me if interested. The baked egg custard in above note sounds yummy. Am going to try. AnitaLoree
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- September 1, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Hi Sunshine: I'm sorry about your husband's SEs from treatment and wt loss. Hard to bear. My man @ 6'6" lost 25+ lbs in ICU after resection of his spinal mel almost 2 yrs ago. Got him home and gathered nutrition resources to try and build him back up. No appetite for a long while but no nausea either. Lucky. One resource you might find helpful is the Cancer Fighting Kitchen/Rebecca Katz. Found it at our local library, bought a copy. She is a chef who works with cancer pts in treatment/recovery. There are chapters addressing various issues inc taste alterations with tips on flavor appeal. I've used all of her advice and a lot of her recipes. Well received. He hasn't regained his 180lb pre op wt but he eats a lot now, is healthy except for his dormant (we hope) mel. He's on Keytruda X 11 mo. with only SEs itching and fatigue.
I have several other resources I've used to put together an organic, non GMO, non inflammatory, alkaline diet that is tasty, nutritious and supports healing. Be happy to share. Email me if interested. The baked egg custard in above note sounds yummy. Am going to try. AnitaLoree
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- September 2, 2015 at 12:16 am
When my mom was going through chemo and was nauseous, she was able to eat two things, creamed spinach (high in calories and vitamins) and ensure (she would drink multiple a day). I think maybe creamy things like the custards and cream spinach might get some calories into your husband and not nauseate him as much. Good luck, it's really hard to see those we love go through these things.
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- September 2, 2015 at 12:16 am
When my mom was going through chemo and was nauseous, she was able to eat two things, creamed spinach (high in calories and vitamins) and ensure (she would drink multiple a day). I think maybe creamy things like the custards and cream spinach might get some calories into your husband and not nauseate him as much. Good luck, it's really hard to see those we love go through these things.
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- September 2, 2015 at 12:16 am
When my mom was going through chemo and was nauseous, she was able to eat two things, creamed spinach (high in calories and vitamins) and ensure (she would drink multiple a day). I think maybe creamy things like the custards and cream spinach might get some calories into your husband and not nauseate him as much. Good luck, it's really hard to see those we love go through these things.
-
- September 1, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Hi Sunshine: I'm sorry about your husband's SEs from treatment and wt loss. Hard to bear. My man @ 6'6" lost 25+ lbs in ICU after resection of his spinal mel almost 2 yrs ago. Got him home and gathered nutrition resources to try and build him back up. No appetite for a long while but no nausea either. Lucky. One resource you might find helpful is the Cancer Fighting Kitchen/Rebecca Katz. Found it at our local library, bought a copy. She is a chef who works with cancer pts in treatment/recovery. There are chapters addressing various issues inc taste alterations with tips on flavor appeal. I've used all of her advice and a lot of her recipes. Well received. He hasn't regained his 180lb pre op wt but he eats a lot now, is healthy except for his dormant (we hope) mel. He's on Keytruda X 11 mo. with only SEs itching and fatigue.
I have several other resources I've used to put together an organic, non GMO, non inflammatory, alkaline diet that is tasty, nutritious and supports healing. Be happy to share. Email me if interested. The baked egg custard in above note sounds yummy. Am going to try. AnitaLoree
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- September 1, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Old fashioned, baked egg custard. It's actually reasonably decent good food — egg (protein), milk (think mineral balance), somewhat low in sugar. ET's mom baked egg custard everyday for a friend who was suffering through chemo to fight her lung cancer. It was the only thing she could hold down, and it got her through.
See here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-egg-custard-269983
I'd omit the nutmeg.
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- September 3, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Have the doctors tried taking marinol for appetite it seems to work and then to use some Ensure or Boost or something to help give your body something to work with while trying to build it back up.
The other thing you have to worry about with weighing so little is the fact that dehydration can get you really quickly as your body mass is so small.
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- September 3, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Have the doctors tried taking marinol for appetite it seems to work and then to use some Ensure or Boost or something to help give your body something to work with while trying to build it back up.
The other thing you have to worry about with weighing so little is the fact that dehydration can get you really quickly as your body mass is so small.
-
- September 3, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Have the doctors tried taking marinol for appetite it seems to work and then to use some Ensure or Boost or something to help give your body something to work with while trying to build it back up.
The other thing you have to worry about with weighing so little is the fact that dehydration can get you really quickly as your body mass is so small.
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- September 4, 2015 at 2:40 am
I had a big problem with metallic taste too…. nuts and cheese helped me a lot to get calories, protien, and nutrients. I really liked soft, harsh cheese for some reason. And cookies!! But I prob shouldn’t advocate that… in genral, I simple carbs like cereal, rice, and cookies made happy. I have always had amazingly healthy diet, but while on treatment, I focused more on just getting calories in (although in a still pretty hearly way compared to average American diet ). -
- September 4, 2015 at 2:40 am
I had a big problem with metallic taste too…. nuts and cheese helped me a lot to get calories, protien, and nutrients. I really liked soft, harsh cheese for some reason. And cookies!! But I prob shouldn’t advocate that… in genral, I simple carbs like cereal, rice, and cookies made happy. I have always had amazingly healthy diet, but while on treatment, I focused more on just getting calories in (although in a still pretty hearly way compared to average American diet ). -
- September 4, 2015 at 2:40 am
I had a big problem with metallic taste too…. nuts and cheese helped me a lot to get calories, protien, and nutrients. I really liked soft, harsh cheese for some reason. And cookies!! But I prob shouldn’t advocate that… in genral, I simple carbs like cereal, rice, and cookies made happy. I have always had amazingly healthy diet, but while on treatment, I focused more on just getting calories in (although in a still pretty hearly way compared to average American diet ). -
- September 4, 2015 at 4:30 am
This is so hard – I'm so sorry to hear this.
I took a 3 week break between my IV month and starting my 11 home months. Honestly it was amazing to see a glimpse of light that I could be a normal human being again and got me through the gauntlet.
I completed the full year and my food preference changed entirely – but I can say it has totally gone back to normal since completing my 12th month. Normally I'm quite a healthy eater, but on interferon my favorite foods were: kraft dinner, cheese buns, cheerios, frosties, fries, burritos – you'll see a common theme here – high in fat and sugar – but honestly I didn't care.
The days when the nausea was under control I would eat more salads or fruits as I could tolerate.
I had to throw out a few water bottles that smelled like plastic/reminded me of the IV interferon month. I had to stop drinking carbonated water because it tasted terrible.
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- September 4, 2015 at 4:30 am
This is so hard – I'm so sorry to hear this.
I took a 3 week break between my IV month and starting my 11 home months. Honestly it was amazing to see a glimpse of light that I could be a normal human being again and got me through the gauntlet.
I completed the full year and my food preference changed entirely – but I can say it has totally gone back to normal since completing my 12th month. Normally I'm quite a healthy eater, but on interferon my favorite foods were: kraft dinner, cheese buns, cheerios, frosties, fries, burritos – you'll see a common theme here – high in fat and sugar – but honestly I didn't care.
The days when the nausea was under control I would eat more salads or fruits as I could tolerate.
I had to throw out a few water bottles that smelled like plastic/reminded me of the IV interferon month. I had to stop drinking carbonated water because it tasted terrible.
-
- September 4, 2015 at 11:46 am
It is so sad to read of so many folks still taking interferon when it was proven to do nothing to stop melanoma from coming back. The docs are either not reading what's new or the financial gain is getting them. Please go to a melanoma specialist! They will advise you not to suffer anymore and get off this drug. We went to Sloan Kettering and they said they hadn't prescribed it for more than 10 years!
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- September 4, 2015 at 11:46 am
It is so sad to read of so many folks still taking interferon when it was proven to do nothing to stop melanoma from coming back. The docs are either not reading what's new or the financial gain is getting them. Please go to a melanoma specialist! They will advise you not to suffer anymore and get off this drug. We went to Sloan Kettering and they said they hadn't prescribed it for more than 10 years!
-
- September 4, 2015 at 11:46 am
It is so sad to read of so many folks still taking interferon when it was proven to do nothing to stop melanoma from coming back. The docs are either not reading what's new or the financial gain is getting them. Please go to a melanoma specialist! They will advise you not to suffer anymore and get off this drug. We went to Sloan Kettering and they said they hadn't prescribed it for more than 10 years!
-
- September 4, 2015 at 4:30 am
This is so hard – I'm so sorry to hear this.
I took a 3 week break between my IV month and starting my 11 home months. Honestly it was amazing to see a glimpse of light that I could be a normal human being again and got me through the gauntlet.
I completed the full year and my food preference changed entirely – but I can say it has totally gone back to normal since completing my 12th month. Normally I'm quite a healthy eater, but on interferon my favorite foods were: kraft dinner, cheese buns, cheerios, frosties, fries, burritos – you'll see a common theme here – high in fat and sugar – but honestly I didn't care.
The days when the nausea was under control I would eat more salads or fruits as I could tolerate.
I had to throw out a few water bottles that smelled like plastic/reminded me of the IV interferon month. I had to stop drinking carbonated water because it tasted terrible.
-
- September 4, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Sunshine – I am a 3A in month 9th of Interferon treatments. I have lost 25 pounds (which was neccesarily a bad thing) but have stablized by weight and eating habits. I was given anti-nausea medine as part of my IV but never needed the pills for the maintenance phase.
To be honest, it really comes down to each what you feel like eating the best you can. My wife makes me pudding, smoothies, grilled cheese, soup…just really simple stuff. And eat 5-7 times per day in very small portions. I have made a habit of taking my shots in the evening and then rewarding that fun with a dish of ice cream. I know that won't make dieticians happy but it what works for me.
Obviously 3C is much more serious than 3A and there are actually new treatments that you might explore that have fewer side effects. Not sure if those were presented to you but I would invest in exploring those.
All the best.
Michel
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- September 4, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Sunshine – I am a 3A in month 9th of Interferon treatments. I have lost 25 pounds (which was neccesarily a bad thing) but have stablized by weight and eating habits. I was given anti-nausea medine as part of my IV but never needed the pills for the maintenance phase.
To be honest, it really comes down to each what you feel like eating the best you can. My wife makes me pudding, smoothies, grilled cheese, soup…just really simple stuff. And eat 5-7 times per day in very small portions. I have made a habit of taking my shots in the evening and then rewarding that fun with a dish of ice cream. I know that won't make dieticians happy but it what works for me.
Obviously 3C is much more serious than 3A and there are actually new treatments that you might explore that have fewer side effects. Not sure if those were presented to you but I would invest in exploring those.
All the best.
Michel
-
- September 4, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Sunshine – I am a 3A in month 9th of Interferon treatments. I have lost 25 pounds (which was neccesarily a bad thing) but have stablized by weight and eating habits. I was given anti-nausea medine as part of my IV but never needed the pills for the maintenance phase.
To be honest, it really comes down to each what you feel like eating the best you can. My wife makes me pudding, smoothies, grilled cheese, soup…just really simple stuff. And eat 5-7 times per day in very small portions. I have made a habit of taking my shots in the evening and then rewarding that fun with a dish of ice cream. I know that won't make dieticians happy but it what works for me.
Obviously 3C is much more serious than 3A and there are actually new treatments that you might explore that have fewer side effects. Not sure if those were presented to you but I would invest in exploring those.
All the best.
Michel
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