Diet & Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

SkinnyDevi

Hi,

A friend was recently diagnosed with IBC and went through the first round of chemo. Prior to this, she had started to work on getting healthy and losing weight. With the recent diagnosis, the focus has shifted more to being healthy. In one week she has dropped around 10 lbs since she can't keep anything down and the inside of her mouth is sore. Has anyone been through this or know someone who has? Do you have any ideas for soft/easy foods outside of yogurt, jello, popsicles, and pudding that she can eat? I'd also appreciate it if you can suggest any blogs/forums that focus on cancer, or specifically IBC that I can pass along.

Thanks!

vim_n_vigor

When my mom had sores in her mouth from cancer, she was able to eat the toddler puffs food. They come in a variety of flavors, and just melt in the mouth. I would imagine the yogurt ones are similar and she may be able to tolerate those as well.

Onesnap

My Mom went through surgery last year and chemo in the fall for breast cancer. She often explained that the "cancer diet" is not healthy and it contains a lot of white foods. Baked mac and cheese, pudding, ice cream. She would often make things ahead and freeze them for during those really rough weeks. I think rice pudding was another one.

jagh09

I feel for her. I'm sorry she's struggling with this so much. I pray the chemo works for her and she will be back on her feet soon.

When my mother in law was sick from chemo, she ate scrambled eggs, oatmeal and some yogurt and fruit smoothies. You have to be careful with those however, because the acidity of fruit smoothies can be sore in the mouth.

She can also try those Ensure shakes, just to get the nutrients in.

TrainingWithTonya

Personally, I'd recommend smoothies with added protein powder so that the patient is getting adequate protein to repair any muscle damage from the chemo and to keep from wasting because of treatment.

And FYI the notes from my Advanced Nutritional Therapy class on nutritional therapy for cancer and consistency modified diets for swallowing issues:

Goals of nutrition therapy:
Prevent/reverse alterations in health status caused directly by cancer
Prevent/reverse alterations in health status caused by treatment

Symptom-Specific Nutrition
Anorexia
Small, frequent , palatable meals
High-calorie, high-protein, nutrient-dense
Constipation
Adequate fluids
Whole grains (fiber), fruits, vegetables
Dysphagia
Liquid, pureed, soft consistency
Diarrhea
Low fiber, low fat, lactose-free
Nausea/vomiting
Dry, non-greasy, bland

Nutrient-Specific Nutrition
Energy
25-35 kcal /kg/day
Influenced by body weight, physical activity, metabolic stress
Goal
Maintain or increase weight
Healthy weight gain = 1-2 lb/week (+500-1,000 kcal/day)
Spare protein (WBC production, tissue repair)
Protein
Healthy adults = 0.8 g/kg/day
Cancer patients = 1.0 – 2.5 g/kg/day
Fat
Desired energy density of diet
Personal preference
Steatorrhea
Vitamins/Minerals
B-vitamins (energy production)
Antioxidants (immune function)
Vitamin D (bone health)
Ca+ (bone health)
Fe+ (anemia)
Na+, K+ (electrolyte balance)
Zinc (healing)
Fluids
Replace losses (vomiting/diarrhea)
Excrete wastes (catabolism, chemotherapy)

Pureed diet
Cohesive – no lumps or distinct parts
Pudding consistency
No thin liquids
Examples:
Yogurt, pudding
Applesauce
Mashed potatoes
Cream of wheat, oatmeal
“Blenderized” meats, vegetables, fruits

Mechanical soft diet
Food forms bolus in mouth
Ground, minced food
No chewing needed
Examples
Cottage cheese
Scrambled eggs
“Ground” meats, vegetables

Soft diet
Bite-sized pieces
Moist and soft, easily broken down in mouth
Examples
Soft fruit
Tofu
Pancakes, bread
Well-cooked vegetables
“Chopped” meat with gravy

Thick liquids
Relatively easy to control
Consistency
Spoon fed – holds shape on spoon
Honey – doesn’t hold shape on spoon
Nectar – sipped through straw
Thin liquids
Very difficult to control
Watery consistency
Clear liquids
No residue
Can see through them