Gemcarbo

[1stDaddysgirl]

Hi everyone my dad was diagnosed a few weeks ago with advanced lung cancer spread to liver adrenal glands and possibly bones. We got a 2nd oppinion an he starts chemo treatment next week gem/carbo. I was wondering if anyone else has the same diagnosis and been on this treatment. And how they are doing. thankyou

[Brummie8095]

I can't answer your question, just wanted to say I am sorry for your dad and what you are all going through.

I am sending you the biggest hug and wishing all the best for your father.

[Ian-Lindsey]

Sorry to hear about your father. Unfortunately, my wife has a very similar diagnosis: Stage 4 lung cancer, spread to pancreas and head. She started Gem/Carbo on Monday last week (17th Oct) and had her second session Monday this week. She is coping quite well, with just flu like symptoms (tired, headaches and general aches) but has not been vomiting. She has been eating and drinking as normal. They are going to scan again after 6 weeks to see if things are improving or not.

[hedgehoggy]

Hi I was with stage ll lung cancer in 2012 but had the same combination. My treatment went well very with this.

Sending best wishes and strength to your dad and you.

Hoggy

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello and welcome to healthunlocked, I am very sorry to hear of your dads recent diagnosis, it must have been a terrible shock for you all, this forum it is a great resource for information, support and encouragement from others who have lung cancer and are going through similar treatments.

We have lots of information on our website roycastle.org and if you wish to speak with someone we have a free nurse led helpline on 0800 358 7200

Wishing you all the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[1stDaddysgirl]

Thankyou so much for all your replys, it is really hard to watch someone you love go threw this it breaks my heart. We are trying to keep his spirits up an to carry on as normal as possible. Dad has gone on to organic food, eating less red meats, cut all his sugar out, eating kernal seeds, green supplements, a glass of bicarb, eating less carbs, and having juices. Would all this be benefical. He also not enjoying any food he eating as its making him feel sick because of a taste he has when eating. Thankyou xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello 1stDaddysgirl,

It is difficult to predict how treatments might affect your dads appetite some days he may not feel like eating anything other days he may have an increased appetite. Your dads sense of smell and sense of taste may change. It's best to have a flexible, healthy eating plan.

If you continue to have problems eating, make sure your doctor and cancer nurse are aware of this. Not getting enough fluids, protein, and calories can contribute to feelings of tiredness or fatigue, which is one of the most frequent side effects of treatment.

Managing appetite loss

Try new foods. If you start to dislike your favorite foods, try foods that are different from what you normally eat. Be sure to try new foods when you're feeling good so you don't develop more food dislikes.

Eat lightly and several hours before you receive a treatment. This helps prevent food aversions caused by nausea or vomiting after chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation.

Ask another person to cook for you, or rely on prepared foods from a store if you can't stand cooking smells.

Try eating cold foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or a sandwich because there will be fewer smells.

Try eating with plastic utensils if your food tastes like metal.

Rinse your mouth with tea, ginger ale, salted water, or baking soda dissolved in water before you eat to help clear your taste buds. Some people say that sucking on ice chips in between bites of food helps numb their taste buds so they can eat.

Don't force yourself to eat foods that taste bad to you. Find substitutes that you can tolerate.

Eat small, frequent meals. It may be easier to eat more that way.

Keep snacks close at hand so you can eat when you feel like it. Cheese and crackers, muffins, peanut better, and fruit work well.

Don't wait until you feel hungry to eat. If you have no appetite, think of eating as a necessary part of your treatment. Try to eat at least a little something at regularly scheduled times during the day.

Below is a link to the Macmillan website which also gives some advice on managing diet

macmillan.org.uk/informatio...

When you search the internet there are many statements about diet and cancer, this link below is to the cancer research site which has some very good information on myths about diet and cancer

scienceblog.cancerresearchu...

if you would like to speak with someone we have a free nurse led helpline on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

Roy Castle Helpline

[1stDaddysgirl in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thankyou for the information most helpful x

[1stDaddysgirl]

my dad had his 1st shot of chemo last thursday and was supposed to be having his 2nd lot today. but he cant now as he is back in hospital with phnemonia again. So really worried now as we were told when he has finished chemo he might be able to have immunetheropy as 2nd line treatment. so were hoping he gets well soon and still be able to carry on with treatment.