Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for both men and women, is rarely detected until it has advanced into the later stages when more aggressive treatment is necessary. The primary treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the stage of your cancer, a combination of these treatments can be required.
Importance of Good Nutrition
Good nutrition not only ensures your ability to endure the treatment after your lung cancer surgery, it helps repair your body from the side effects of these treatments. Eating a diet to meet your nutritional needs helps support your immune system, rebuild damaged body tissue, improve your strength, expedite healing after treatment and preserve lean muscle mass. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America reports approximately one-third of all cancer deaths result from malnutrition.
Side Effects and Nutritional Needs
Your nutritional needs after your surgery depend on the side effects of the adjunct therapy you undergo, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Each affects everyone differently, requiring various diets to prevent or eliminate these side effects completely. You may experience nausea and vomiting, while another person may suffer from loss of appetite. Left untreated, malnutrition can result.
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Combat these by avoiding greasy, fried or salty food. Ask someone to cook for you if the smell of food upsets your stomach. The National Cancer Institute recommends eating five or six small meals rather than three large meals. Sip water through the day, along with clear soda or juices. For meals or snacks, try oatmeal, white rice, pretzels or crackers and white toast. If you have loss of appetite, schedule your meal times, eating according to time rather than hunger. Drinking liquid supplements ensures you receive the vitamins and minerals you need to prevent weight loss. Diarrhea can result in dehydration, so drink between eight and 12 glasses of fluid each day. Eliminate dairy products, spicy or greasy food, raw fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods. All of these can worsen this side effect, says the National Cancer Institute.
Common Radiation Side Effects
Nausea and diarrhea accompany radiation, but you might also develop mouth sores. Combat them by sipping water to keep your mouth moist. Sucking on ice chips or chewing gum to create saliva can help as well. Choose soft foods that are easy to chew, such as mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. Add gravy or broth to moisten your food, and sip liquids with your meals.
Considerations
If any side effects persist, speak with your doctor. He may prescribe medications to help relieve them or change the medications used to treat the cancer. Enlist the help of friends and family members during this time. It is imperative to avoid malnutrition, giving yourself the best odds of becoming a lung cancer survivor.
