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Nutritional RecommendationsHi, are there any nutritional recommendations for cancer patients? As a caregiver, I am specifically looking into any protein powders to help my dad fight weight loss. Thank you.
gpt
There are multiple factors that go into creating a nutritional plan, ranging from lab values such as kidney function, to muscle mass, desire to eat, ability to eat, etc. Id recommend speaking with a nutritionist as they are typically even more knowledgeable than physicians for nutritional advice. It should be covered under palliative/supportive care for the cancer. Youll want to consult them anyway depending on the state your dad is in physically as this point to ensure he doesnt have any nutritional deficiencies specific to the cancer he is fighting (e.g. GI cancers scan affect absorption of vitamins, minerals, fats, etc).Realistically if youre just looking for a caloric supplement, any of a number of protein drinks, such as ensure, will work. It will really come down to whether hes willing to drink them, find a flavor or brand he can tolerate and dont be afraid to switch it up for variety
Blood work off after MTX. Should I hold the next dose until Rheum consult?30F non-smoker 147 lb 5ft 2in tall, years long history of rheumatoid symptoms and indicative blood work. My degree is in clinical nutrition which means unfortunately I understand the basics of my blood work but am not sure what to do with it. My rheumatologist is out for a week.After 7 weeks of 10 mg oral methotrexate weekly with absolutely no contraindicated medications (sulfa, alcohol, etc) my blood work has come back. I'm just hoping for clarification on if these results are expected with methotrexate, or if I may want to hold a dose until Rheumatology is back in office next week.Creatinine has dropped to 0.51 and was 0.70 prior to treatment. BUN has risen to 24 and was 17 prior to treatment. CRP at 1.4, was 1.3 prior to treatment.If I can ask for any input just to ease my mind, I'd really appreciate it!
I would not worry about these labs. They are inconsequentially different from prior.For your information - Creatinine is a measure of how well the kidneys are working. We worry more about kidney injury when it is high. BUN is not as specific and should be interpreted in the context of your creatinine. Your CRP is basically unchanged.Your rheumatologist would likely go more based off your symptoms in adjusting your meds, they are probably monitoring side effects of methotrexate so looking at blood counts for signs of low counts and liver function tests. Methotrexate is cleared through the kidneys so if there was a major change in your creatinine it may prompt a dose change. CRP and ESR are inflammatory markers that will be trended.Hope this helps!