Sorry to have worried everyone...I am eating as I need to...and if I have a day (like today) that I didn't eat as well, then I go back to Ensure (and when it is gone the protein powder). I am not really trying to lose weight at this point...just trying to keep intake normal so I don't go back to the over-sized portions I was eating before.

I bought a few frozen dinners for lunch with shrimp and chicken with gravy type stuff, hoping I can eat those as well. With not much taste and having a slow time eating I still hate to cook for myself, then I find out I can't eat it so have been trying to pick things that are easy or a pretty "sure thing".

Don't worry, my neighbor is a retired nurse...she won't let me get by with anything! I have been drinking and eating...just slow trying new things. Yesterday was fine, tonight didn't go so well - mouth got sore and had the water blisters I get so I quit, brushed and rinsed, then drank an Ensure! :o)

I do appreciate the reminder in these and the earlier messages about the protein. I have been careful to get that in the ensure but forgot once I was eating. I was just trying to get FOOD! :o)

Michele in IL

Hi Nathan: Another hero! I am just starting this journey. New to cancer; new to this forum. The doctors anticipate that I will start radiation/chemo on Jan. 31. I had my tonsils and wisdom tooth out last week. I can't believe they are telling me that the pain from having my tonsils out is nothing compared to what's ahead. I'll be checking in to see how you're doing. Keep up the good work. I hope I can be as strong as you. -Michelle

Congrats Nate. You are an inspiration. I am only 2 weeks post treatment. It is great to hear how it is going for you. I lie in bed dreaming of all my favorite foods. Still using the PEG but soon... I will try some broth. Keep up the good work. And to you... lots of healing thoughts from me. -Michelle

I tortured myself by watching all of the Food Network shows when I was going through treatments.

I grabbed a 16 pack of protein shakes at Costco yesterday - 30 grams of protein... I throw in a scoop of protein powder, 23 more grams... 350 calories - plus fruit, maybe 400 calories... Makes a good breakfast... And gets me 2/3 of my protein requirement for the day. Tomorrow is the end of week 3 - radiation... A few sores in my mouth... A nasty one on my tongue - but for the most part I'm doing okay... though eating really sucks right now.

Well done! I will have to try wanton soup too, I'm having rads and chemo next week:( I am finding food a problem as I can't smell or taste it! And when I fancy something it tastes off and I can't eat it. Reading the posts here at least most people seem to be able to taste again sooner or later?
Jayne x

It's such a pain in the ass to eat, I'm with ya. I LOVE food, I LOVE to cook...but I fn hate eating anymore. It bums me out when I try because I loved eating so much and its so fricken hard to eat now. All those years of starving as a wrestler I have a special appreciation for good tasting food...I think that's why my wife owns a restaurant and is an amazing cook. Talk about torture.

Now the lions share of my calories are from ensure and protein blends...a lot of them trying to gain and maintain muscle. It's so hard to keep weight on and there's no possible way to maintain my weight through solids, I literally can't eat that much. So frustrating trying to gain weight back.

I hear you - Im still pretty early in the game recovery wise and my taste is coming back but I'm impatient! Food is an ordeal sometimes it's just easier to chug an ensure and boost. I had lentil and split pea soup last night and finished a whole bowl (it actually tasted good!) but it had me running to the bathroom all night - I guess there is such a thing as too much of a good thing - I have to remember smaller more frequent amounts - my body isn't used to a lot of foods at this point! I miss food since eating out was something we do for pleasure - ugh!!!

Jayne sadly the lack of taste can be a big turn off - but it should come back!! Hugs!