I believe that you've already mentioned having consulted with a nutritionist at Hopkins. If you haven't....that's a great way to learn which foods will give you the most bang for the buck, and how you can add calories to the foods that you do eat. David Letterman once said: "I've heard that you can loose weight without diet or exercise, but heck, all that leaves is disease!" It's not funny when it's you though, is it?

Sent by Nancy K. Clark | 8:32 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy...right now, I wish I was your neighbor: I would be taking a doublecrusted blueberry pie out of the oven and getting ready to give you a huge hug.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:36 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Hi Leroy,

Have some ice cream with your pie.

If your appetite is an issue, there are meds to help stimulate it. There is nothing worse than forcing yourself to eat if there is no appetite. Talk to your doctor. There may be issues other than cancer at work.

Rx: add a cherry on top.

Sent by Teri Thomas | 8:36 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Good Morning Leroy! Oh, I know how you feel about the weight loss. To me it sounds like it might mean that your body is using all the strength it can muster to meet the onslaught of the cancer's latest attack. After all, how can you fight if you are weighted down with all that excess blubber?
When I first went on Chemo, the Prednisome caused me to bloat up and look like a frog. As you said, I ate everything in sight. Then gradually, as we adjusted the Chemo, and I began counting calories, I began losing,-losing, & losing. My Mother was certain that I was WASTING AWAY WITH CANCER and I remember how I felt ~ Happy to look good once again in my clothes, but scared stiff that she was right and I was on my last legs.
However, I found that once the cancer was chased back into remission, the extra rolls of ME began returning and so, life went on..
Leroy, Hopefully it will be so in your case. You are a large man who has been through a tremendous battle, and it is still raging inside you. Get that imagination of yours going and think about what is actually going on inside you. Oh, you describe those so well!

Sent by J C R | 8:38 AM ET | 01-21-2008

OR it may just be that being in unrelenting pain for months stole your appetite, thus leading to the weight loss, and that doesn't even take into account the infection would have had on you.

It could be the cancer, or it could just be the living hell your body has been through the last few months. Only time will tell.

But for now, you are right, pie does sound like the best option. Maybe with a nice scoop of ice cream too.

Hmmm... cherry... or a nice mixed berry. Yum!

Sent by Robin L. Fairfax VA | 8:45 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Hi Leroy,

I know this is scaring you right now, it would scare me, too. I agree with all of the above- try and eat what u love, see the nutritionist and ask about meds to help u eat. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday,

Lianne

Sent by Lianne Friedman | 9:01 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Have the whole pie - why stop at one piece?!! Ice cream - to go along with it, too!!!

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 9:07 AM ET | 01-21-2008

When I first started treatment I couldn't eat anything. It was all I could do to keep down ice cream. I lost 15lbs. In a perverse way I didn't mind too much as I have been trying to lose weight for years. I went down to see my folks and let them know about my condition and you gessed it, my mom tried to put those 15lbs. back and then some.I am hispanic and am married to a wonderful hoosier who happens to be a great cook. However I occasionally miss those ethnic home cooked meals. I guess what I'm getting at is that one of the silver linings about my condition is that I have a good excuse to load up on those calorie laden dishes with the peculiar names and ingridients.
So Leroy, have the pie, have it a la mode and forget the diet soda.

Sent by Jose R Gomez | 9:14 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy, you give us folks fighting cancer such hope with your sense of humor. I love reading your blogs; you make me stop taking myself so damn seriously. I admire you.

Sent by Marilyn C> | 9:17 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy-

Have another piece of pie! Stay strong and maybe add a cookie on the side.

My prayers are always with you.
Kathy Bero

Sent by Kathy Bero | 9:19 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Once again, Leroy, you have given me my Monday morning smile with your great outlook on life. You are the best!

Sent by Betty O'Connor | 9:19 AM ET | 01-21-2008

You're so right! It's lucky we all don't know your address or you'd surely end up with so many pies delivered to your doorstep that you'd be supplying the local food shelters for a week.

Sent by Nichole in FL | 9:24 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy, I know we like to give you ideas and this is one I would use for my fiance'. When Neil had eating issues, I would make him a smoothie, 8oz of whole milk, 2 tblspns of chocolate syrup, an egg, a package of chocolate carnation instant breakfast, a banana, a container of yogurt and handful of berries! I would put anything and everything in it and I could give him a 1000 cal smoothie every day! That was also good for him! He loved it! Be creative! Just don't give in!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:26 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy:
Eat as much as you can for as long as you can!!!! It's important!!!! Just eat it!!
Best Wishes,

Sent by Joanie, Front Royal | 9:29 AM ET | 01-21-2008

I've complained often that I have gained weight from treatment and prednisone. My doctor always smiles and says it is a good sign. I guess I will stop complaining now as I see that the other side is far more worry than the fact my size 8's don't fit.

I don't know what to tell you except to say, do what you can to keep weight on. Do it. Get a nutritionist, learn about high calorie shakes that pack good nutrients. Do it. This is something you can have some control over. Do it.

Hugs,

Lori

Sent by Lori | 9:51 AM ET | 01-21-2008

So - you still have choices! Thanks for reminding me (again) that attitude is everything. Well -- maybe not everything, but important! We are on a 10-day vacation in the Keys, and I've been lying awake, worrying about what this pain and that pain MEAN. At 3 a.m., I'm sure the cancer has spread throughout my whole body. What a waste of time...think I'll eat some ice cream and go to the beach -- even though it's wild and stormy rather than sunny. At least there's no snow to shovel!

Sent by Doris | 9:52 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Do what You want to do Leroy. It's your life. Eat when and what you can and enjoy. Please.

God bless you Leroy.

Judy

Sent by Judy Voller | 10:03 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy; Have missed reading the last several blogs. My heart goes out to Laurel, Linda, and Carolyn. Sasha, I would like to know you husband's name. I know you are going through a very hard time right now and it helps to put a name to a prayer.

Leroy, remember when you were young and shoveling snow was a "chore". Burge always felt he was letting everyone down by not doing his "husbandly duties" like shoveling the walk, but it didn't really matter to me...just sitting alone together watching TV was more important at the time. Like you, Burge lost weight after gaining but he looked so good for more than a year with that weight loss which seemed to stop at just the right time. Your's might level off also.

Nikki

Sent by Nikki | 10:03 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Last winter I lost ten pounds eating the same foods I eat normally; I was doing chemo and my oncologist said he had no idea why I was losing weight. It scared me because when I added extra big desserts at night I STILL lost weight ! Now, still doing chemo tho a different type, I have as of this morning gained it all back !! Who knows??

There are some calorie dense foods that are both yummy and healthy. Halvah is my favorite and probably you'll get lots of suggestion today, but I like that one because it's made of super healthy sesame seeds plus honey and is sooo good!

I hope the sun shines on you today. Here in Maine it is really cold but the sun is so strong. It's a spring sun, and it promts us to begin summer garden planning.

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 10:16 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Dear Leroy !!
EAT THE PIE !!!!!
xox dee

Sent by dee | 10:16 AM ET | 01-21-2008

My first response did not go through. I'll try again.

I too am having loss of appetite issues. I don't know for sure if it is from the pain, the cancer or grief from the loss of my sister last week. Maybe all three.

I try to eat small amounts whenever I can. But berry pie sounds really good right now.

I got good news on my way to the funeral last Thursday. There were NO cancer cells in my chest fluid.

I believe that was a final gift from my sister. It is the kind of gift she would love to give me.

Sent by Laurel M. Jones | 10:27 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy and all
If God had't meant you to eat pie, s/he wouldn't have invented it. Go for it and don't forget the ice cream.

Meanwhile, I'm having a rather large cookie,

Vaya con Dios

JohnShippee
Atlanta,GA

Sent by John Shippee | 10:30 AM ET | 01-21-2008

My oncologist is happy when I put on a pound or two. I figure he thinks I'll need it when I reach a point at which you are at. I'm already overweight so it's not that I'm too thin now. It is so easy to worry about everything when you have cancer but some worries you have to let go. Eat well but make sure you get your important nutrients in. Some people worry about every little thing they eat - life's too short for that and I figure at this point will it make much of a difference? I eat pie as long as I had my broccoli that day.

Sent by Marcia Greer | 10:38 AM ET | 01-21-2008

I can't remember where I read/heard it, but a woman on chemo--and steroids, which stimulated her appetite--was gaining weight, and keeping it (gotta love those anti-nausea meds!) An insensitive coworker commented that she should be *losing* weight, since she had cancer. The woman replied that as with most things, the fringe benefits of cancer had been cut, and she couldn't even look forward to THAT!

I love that: "fringe benefits"...that's some powerful positive thinking, finding a fringe benefit in this mess. But I guess we have communities of friends and family (like this one), and knowledge of strength and resolve like we never knew we had...those are still part of the deal, right?

I'm with everyone else: the infection, the pain, the post-surgery (and doesn't that usually lead to weight loss, while your body uses every single calorie for repair? That's a fringe benny, too!), the general lack of activity caused by the surgery and the pain, and hey, there's always a bit of depression, too, that can have an enormous impact on the ol' appetite. In this case, Occam's razor does NOT lead immediately to the cancer. You have a whole range of potential causes for the weight loss...you lucky dog, you!

Peace
jj

Sent by Joan Jones | 10:40 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Pie is the best food ever. Eat as much pie as you can. In fact, if you are up to watch a film, watch "Waitress". It will put a smile on your face.
With care and good thoughts of pie, Anne

Sent by anne lumberger | 10:49 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy,
My husband has always fought being overweight and I too worry when he loses it but chemo and radiation take his appetite and that's just part of the battle. When he's losing weight it usually is a bittersweet happy but I still try to feed him and entice him with favorite foods. Worry or pie....eat the pie and don't worry about it. Besides, it's cold here in our area and you need to eat to keep warm!!

Sent by Kathie | 10:50 AM ET | 01-21-2008

I am sitting here in tears. Remembering a fight I had with my mother the weekend before she died. I had made pasta with scampi - lots of flavor, lots of calories to try to help her put on weight.

She opted to only eat the shrimp and left the pasta. I was hurt and frustrated when she didn't eat her pasta too and we argued when I said she was cheating by only eating the shrimp.

Who knew it that my anger ruined the last homemade meal she would eat.

Here is my advice for those trying to gain weight: eat what you love - as much of it as you can - and enjoy every bite. Eat with those you love.

(And for caregivers: it's OK to be frustrated, but don't let your patience run out for your patient!)

And hopefully someday I can forgive myself.

Sent by Liz L. | 11:02 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy,
My husband had to maintain some sort of diet most of his life, so when he had weight loss from chemo and radiation, he decided it was a gift from God and enjoyed everything he had denied himself for all those years.

Enjoy all of your favorite goodies.

Kathy

Sent by Kathy Barney | 11:26 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Dear Leroy,

My husband John is also a big guy like you. When he got sick two years ago he weighed 253 pounds, but looked very well because he is over six feet tall and carried it well. Two years of chemotherapy has taken his taste buds away. He has no appetite and even when forced to eat complains that everything tastes like cardboard. He started losing weight right after Thanksgiving and is now down to 232 and continuing to take off pounds. The only time he eats well is when he gets his chemo (every three weeks) because he has to go on Decadron for three days and this boosts his appetite. Despite the fact that he can't taste, he gets very hungry with the steroid and eats ,hoping to get a little satisfaction. I attribute his weight loss to the fact that he does not eat well. He had a 7 week break from chemo because he came down with pneumona, but after three weeks got his taste back and felt pretty good, but unfortunately he had to go back on his chemo cycle and it didn't take long for his taste buds to disappear again. I have come to the conclusion that the chemo is what is keeping him alive; without it he will surely die. The only problem is................how long can one stay on chemo...........how long can the body endure it? John's oncologist said that my husband is still strong enough and he will let us know when he can no longer stay with the program. I think it is important to try and keep the pounds on so that the body can fight. I believe that if my husband had been a small frame thin man, he would not have been able to survive two years of chemotherapy. So keep trying to put the pounds on..................how about the cookies with the chocolate drop in the middle ? Those are your favorite!

As always, prayers for you, Laurie and our Blog community.

Sent by Sasha | 11:28 AM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy,

I believe in the many small snacks throughout the day approach. Sitting down to one of the three big ones a day can be daunting. Keep cookies and candy and all the stuff you love around the house and whenever you pass through the kitchen, grab something caloric. Calories are important right now. Have a malted for me (if you like them)!

Sent by Diana Kitch | 11:59 AM ET | 01-21-2008

My husband lost 70 pounds during his battle. Some after the initial surgeries, some during chemo treatments, but most in the following months when battling multiple infections. He went from 220 to 150 in 7 months and it was difficult. He just wouldn't/couldn't eat much of anything at that time. Ended up on TPN for weeks, which brought him back - and it was during this time we got the news he was in remission. Hard to be joyful when he looked like a skeleton to me. But here it is a year later ... and those 70 pounds are back once again. I just consider it part of this roller coaster ride called cancer. We're on the winning side right now.

Eat whatever sounds good to you, Leroy - regardless of whether it's healthy or not. Empty calories aren't all that bad when you just need to start eating. We also did Ensure (add ice cream to make a shake), Boost (partially frozen to make a slush), Carnation Instant Breakfasts, too. But if pie sounds good to you right now, then you enjoy it.

Liz - please forgive yourself; I'm sure your Mom has.
Laurel - My sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your sister.
I recommend you both read "90 Minutes in Heaven" - the two chapters that describe what heaven was like for this man will surely give you peace.

Sent by Dianne in Nevada | 12:04 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Dear Leroy:

Cancer and lose weight? Cancer and gain weight? Seems that those of us dealing with this disease just can't seem to win, one way or the other. When I was diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer, a friend of mine who is an oncologist advised me to think of the most "heart-healthy" diet possible, and then to eat exactly the opposite. He explained that when undergoing treatment for head & neck cancer, packing on the calories is a must because weight loss is such a huge issue. The body needs all those calories to deal with the multitude of side effects we all cope with in our battle with this disease. It was absolute hell trying to choke down enough calories, especially after radiation totally distorted my taste buds. (Imagine that everything you eat or drink tastes sour ... sour milk, sour eggs, sour water, sour toothpaste.) It was a relief when the taste buds died altogether, but by then I was throwing up everyday from the nausea. One way I was able to minimize the weight loss was with a high calorie shake by the name of Scandi Shakes (twice the calories and none of the obnoxious smell of Ensure or Boost). I came to appreciate that trying to gain weight is just as hard as trying to lose it.

Well, here I am 18 months after diagnosis, and 6 months since I've been dancing with NED ... my taste buds have returned (although not what they were) yet I'm still down 15 pounds from where I used to be. People tell me I look fabulous and what was my secret to losing weight? (I'm good and just smile, but sometimes when I'm feeling just a little naughty, I think about exclaiming "Cancer! It does wonders! And it's soooo easy!") Yeah, I, like everyone, didn't mind shedding a few pounds, but whenever I drop a little more I expect, I do worry ... I guess that's my take-away message ... Worry is part of dealing with the beast. Try to do your best, try to be good about giving your body some energy to fight with, and try, try, try not to let the worry consume you. Hang in there, Leroy. We're all there with you, even in this virtual world of your blog.

Sent by Peggy | 12:08 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy~ I am on the thin side but if I ever found out I had cancer, I would immediately start pigging out to gain extra pounds. That way I'd have some to lose if the time came for that. So eat alot when you are hungry. You can worry about your weight next year. :)

Sent by DiAnn | 12:20 PM ET | 01-21-2008

I remember when I was in chemo, nothing tasted good to me. The only thing that even sounded good was avacado, of all things. So I thought, this is great! It's nutritious, has calories, and all the things that can sustain life. THEN, because of my blood's white count, I was told that I couldn't eat fresh vegetables. Can one ever win in these silly little games? Geez!

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 12:28 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Worrying and thinking about what's going on in your body won't add a day onto your life (trust me)...so stop thinking so much and just "enjoy" the day in whatever way you can. Live and eat for THIS day --- And please keep writing --- with your sense of humor..so many of us count on your daily dose of your wit --glad you still have it!
P.S. I hope Liz L. can forgive herself for arguing with her mother over the uneaten noodles. I have a strong feeling her Mother KNEW the meal was made with love and forgave her for whatever shortcomings she may have had, or felt she had, at that time. Let it go Liz -- remember the "good stuff"!

Sent by Jo Ann Baswell | 12:32 PM ET | 01-21-2008

If only it was as simple as saying yes to a piece of blueberry pie...or anything so soul-satifyingly full of sugar, butter, warmth and love. I wish you much of all of the above but it is the shift from liminality -- moving in and out of cancer world -- towards a reconciliated permanent residency that achingly comes through, whether temporarily or not. I send you an electronic hug -- a la mode.

Sent by Marcia | 12:36 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy:

I always tell my patients to load up on goodies they love, even if they don't have an appetite (milkshakes, pizza, etc) or drink boost/ensure (up to 4 cans if they are willing to a day!) to get nutrients...

I hope you had a piece of pie... make it pumkin with some cool whip for me. Hang in there Leroy...sending thoughts your way.

Krupali

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 12:46 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy, I have been having scans that show we are making headway against the disease; what bothers me is I continue to lose weight too. Now, I am not eating as much as before, party because food does not taste as good, or at all. So I eat only because I know I need to. I'm also doing far less, so stands to reason, I would be less hungry. This whole thing still worries me a great deal. When is losing weight not something to worry about? When you have Cancer, what don't we worry about? It is all in the hands of the Doctors. Worry or not, eat or not, what can you do? Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:47 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Good Afternoon Leroy, Laurie and All,

I vote for the pie with ice cream too, sounds good! When your appetite is down it is hard to force yourself to eat enough to meet your nutritional needs. It helps to eat smaller amounts but eat more frequently. Then eating doesn't seem like such a chore and you are less likely to become nauseated. High calorie drinks such as smoothies and milk shakes are helpful too. Leroy, the antibiotics that you still require may also be depressing your appetite too and hopefully when they can stop, your appetite will improve.

Laurie, It's ok to nag Leroy a bit to keep his nutritional intake up to par. Be sure to keep a nutritional drink within arm's reach.

To Liz, I hope you can find forgiveness for yourself. You had no way of knowing that your Mom was so near her time to go. It's too easy to look back on situations and blame yourself for not knowing information that you could not possibly know at the time. You were there for your Mom and that is what matters most.

To All, May we all find the courage to walk together into the future and to face whatever lies ahead for us.
God Bless!

Eileen Pruyne
Charlotte, NC.

Sent by Eileen Pruyne | 1:24 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Ah, Leroy.

I'm losing weight too. Losing a battle I bet. But really, it's not whether you win or lose but how you played the game, right? You played spectacularly and still are. Me? Good at times; bad at others.

And, we're both still in the ring until the bitter end.
And you know what? Cancer needs nutrition too. So maybe starving it isn't such a bad idea.

Sent by joanne | 1:28 PM ET | 01-21-2008

leroy,
Whew I know how that feels. My husband had pancreatic cancer. It was extremly difficult getting any weight on him.
He had a very big operation and lost lots of weight just recouping from it all. All your calories go to fighting and healing. My best advive..whatever the cause..eat.. if you have no appetite try Carnation Instant breakfast. My husband loved them and you also can add protein powder for extra calories.
My best to you

Sent by Kim | 2:34 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Please eat all the fattening, luscious, decadent, gourmet foods that you can. Then, write your blog about every taste sensation, presentation of food, etc. etc.

This would be for those of us still in steroid H*** where we feel we are starving, trying to control the apetite beast and gaining exponentially ;-)

Sent by Karen D. | 2:47 PM ET | 01-21-2008

I have the same problem as you do. I spent my whole life trying to loose weight, to no fight like crazy to keep it on. The loss of appetite is hard to deal with, but I have a wonderful wife who will not stand for "I'm not hungry" in my vocabulary. Right at the moment I am fighting a tumor that showed up in my throat, so I am going throught radiation and chemo to try and get rid of this one (oh, it was a totally new cancer). After this we can get back to my primary which is bladder cancer that went to my skeliton. I also have tumors in my lungs that we have to keep an eye on.

I hope that you can keep the weight on, and you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Sent by Steven Schneider | 2:55 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Hey Leroy,
I lost about 20 lbs after my diagnosis (I could stand to lose about 40!) I think from sheer anxiety and appetite loss. Now I've gained back a bit, my appetite is still off, and I eat what sounds good to me. I've had liver and chicken livers a couple of times to help with iron and fight anemia. It is comfort food for me. I am also trying to eat less processed food and more fresh food. I even bought a juicer! Have you tried that?

You have a lot of things going on for you Leroy, just fight them as they come.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 3:17 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Oh, Leroy! I have been told since I was 8 that anything that was wrong with me would be better if I lost weight including an ear infection! During chemo, I was told not to lose more than four pounds! When I lost forty, my doctor told me to have a milk shake everyday...I made him write it down as the first time I had been told to eat. Have the pie with ice cream and whipped creme.

Sent by glenda | 3:34 PM ET | 01-21-2008

I went from 215 to 152 in about seven months. Chemo was the chief culprit, but depression/stress didn't help at the outset. Once I started to recover it was great because I got my appetite back and I could eat like a hog. Plus, my wife is a great cook and would have made me anything, anytime. Now I weigh 205 again and I have to be careful what I eat. But, when you don't have an appetite it doesn't really matter. I hated meal time with a passion because I knew that I needed to eat, but I had no desire. All those horrible meals in the hospital. Yuck! I swore I would never eat an omlette or a baked potato again. There's only so many times a person can puke Ensure and still tell themselves that it's not that bad.

Eat whatever tastes good and try to shove calories in your mouth. It will give your body something to fight with. Calories trump nutrition at this stage. So eat a cookie or a candy bar or whatever your body thinks will taste good.

Liz, you must forgive yourself for being human. Like someone else said, your mom has forgiven you 100 times over. Don't punish yourself over something you can't change. Focus on all the things you did right; all the care and love you gave and maybe this one tiny instance of human frustration will seem less significant. Ain't none of us perfect.

Sent by Dave U. | 4:09 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Dear Leroy,
Cancer is cruel, and requires our inner most strength everyday. If not one thing....just turn around and it is another.....so however you conquer this day is your choice. Being scared won't make the cancer worse or better....same with eating pie or not.
The thing is, you have found a purpose through all of this....helping others with your blog. Would I call that a fringe benefit....no, but certainly and clearly by reading the responses, so many people are in this with you. What seems like the solitary fight, really is not. And that is good. While you go through being sad, hurting, being afraid, and anything and everything else....you are surrounded by love.
Blessings,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 5:34 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy, easy choice. No worrying. Just eat all the goodies you enjoy. Cheese stakes, hamburgers, pie, ice cream, anything at all that you want. Try to implement some good stuff also, as suggested by Dr. Krupali. Try to not waste one drop of energy on worrying, keep it for the energy to fight the monster with.

Today it is only 32 degrees out but the sun is shining and such a beautiful day. It is absolutely amazeing how much more strength we have when the sun shines. Have a good day Leroy. We appreciate you so very much. Our thought are allways with Laurie too.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 5:37 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Hello Leroy,
I haven't posted for months!. You seem to be positive overall. Yes, the weight thing is a little daunting. My friend said when she couldn't eat from all her dental work that she actually gained weight from eating./drinking all these incredible fresh smoothies and yummy juices with a bunch of stuff in them--more calories than normal. I don't think anyone thing is bad-it's about balance. Bless your medicine-bless your food.! I'm wondering if you listen to any hypnosis tapes or affirmations to combat worry or negative thinking. I can't believe I just now discovered Belleruth Naperstek. I think her work is pretty amazing. It has helped me at least. Blessings to you,
Linda

Sent by Linda Mowbray | 5:48 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Aloha Leroy!
I read all the posts, hoping I wouldn't find anyone scolding about avoiding sugar under your circumstances. Hooray: No spoilsports! I vascillate between trying to eat healthy and trying to keep the calories up with cakes, pies, cookies. I don't need guilt on my plate as I deal with my third adventure with chemo.
God bless you, Leroy. Your blog makes my days!

Sent by Tia in Hawaii | 5:52 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy, The problem with cancer is that every sensation or symptom seems to portend the worst--advancing disease. So the fact that you're in pain and taking a cocktail of drugs might explain your decreased appetite. Also, depression and immobility doesn't exactly make one ravenous. I bake really good pie and cookies; I wish I could send you some; I hope you will use your decreased appetite and weight loss as an opportunity to indulge in a whole range of delicacies.s

Sent by sajenkins | 6:44 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy,
TAKE THE EXTRA PIECE OF CAKE!! Worrying won't do you any good - you are doing everything that you can do for you and your doctors are also! Take care of you and I send love and prayers.

Janice Goldberg White

Sent by janice goldberg white | 7:28 PM ET | 01-21-2008

I like the idea of a delicious way to get loads of nutrition into a smoothie: Brown Cow yogurt (vanilla or maple), bananas,juice, organic frozen berries, a spoon full of spirulina, and a big splash of flax seed oil. It is sweet and easy to drink a lot of if any of your meds make you thirsty and its not nasty, tasteless health food! Best of luck finding some thing to increase appetite. There's a rumor a certain plant might help.

Sent by NancyGM | 8:22 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Leroy,
I can understand how you feel. When I was first diagnosed with cancer I visualized myself wasting away...it was like an instant idea of "people with cancer equals skinny" and I told my husband I would not allow myself to be skinny. I did get skinny but my sweet tooth has brought me back. When my Mom went through cancer she lost a lot, along with her appetite. Steroids helped some. I wonder how much of your appetite loss is stress over all the new information you have had to process. I think comfort foods are important and if pie or a milkshake or whatever is it, why go for it! It's good to mix in some simple pleasures in life. I hope you feel well with whatever you choose.

Sent by Beth S. | 9:03 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Thank you, everyone for the encouragement! It meant a lot to me.

Sent by Liz L. | 11:33 PM ET | 01-21-2008

Dear Leroy,
About a year ago my friend with breast cancer pointed me to your website because my husband had died of gastric cancer. I lurked on your site every day but did not comment because I had nothing positive to say. I envied you for having extended your prognosis when Jim felt short of his, despite having so much to live for. So my advice is keep fighting, but make sure to keep seeing all your family and friends as often as you can. Keep eating and taking those protein shakes because they will keep you strong. And keep writing to us because the cancer community needs to hear what it is like to be in the trenches.
I don't pray, but not believing in God makes the randomness of the bad luck that befell you and my my husband makes all of this easier to accept.

Sent by Denise Galloway | 1:48 AM ET | 01-22-2008

Leroy,
I got down to 100 pds after my liver surgery and my oncologist made me eat a cup of cashews each day and if they were dipped in chocolate I got extra credit. It worked.that and alot of chocolate.

Sent by Anita Mitchell stage iv survivor | 10:55 AM ET | 01-22-2008