Hi. I am starting RT on 8 April (has to be confirmed but I'm pretty sure). I have a couple of weeks to prepare so I'm doing my research now. First of all, I've heard people refer to Christine's milkshake. I'm intrigued and would love the recipe. Even now with my altered mouth after two surgeries in the last 4/5 weeks, I'm struggling to keep my weight up on a smooth puree diet. I'm enjoying my Fortisip (like Ensure) milkshakes with fruit added but I'm freaking out about my teeth. The advice is keep away from sugar but the sweet, milky foods and drinks are my mainstay. I've searched the topic on here but can't find what I'm looking for:)
Maureen

Here is Christine's famous milkshake:

<<Giant High Calorie Choc-Peanut Butter Milkshake

3 or 4 cups chocolate ice cream (regular/full fat type)
2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth type)
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 or 2 cups whole milk (can substitute half and half to add even more calories)
1 scoop carnation instant breakfast
1 scoop high protein whey powder (check with doc if this is ok)

Blend this extra long to make it very smooth and creamy so it goes down easier. If the shake is too thick, add more milk to thin it down to what works best for you.>>

Many days I have drank 2 or 3 of these and not gained an ounce even though the shake (the way I made mine) has well over 2000 calories in it. All ingredients are guesstimates. Im not one to measure when I am in the kitchen. If you need a thinner shake, add more milk, for thicker, add less.

Enjoy

Hi there. you can also get a protein that isn't sweetened with sugar - not a fake sugar replacement - some have agave and stevia. This will lessen the sugar impact.

One of the problems with radiation and your teeth is that it weakens the enamel and the lack of saliva caused by the treatments is what allows the bacteria,to do the most damage.

My advice; brush frequently with a soft tooth brush after each meal. Invest in a waterpik for cleansing during treatment (weakest setting - using the tongue cleaner) and then later use the pointier heads with more power to clean along the gum line (like flossing) If the toothpaste is too strong flavored - pick one that is a child's toothpaste (I sometimes use pronamel children's or they have different flavors - orange - whatever) some natural products are licorice flavored - I found the mint to burn so sometimes I take a break from it. I also rinsed my mouth frequently during treatment.

Finally - flouride trays. You should be seen by a dentist prior to treatment, and have the trays made. I found the flouride to burn later in treatment. I used it every second day then and once I was feeling better went back to using it daily.

Hugs.

Yummy. I will definitely try the shake. And I have ordered a waterpik. Amazon wouldn't deliver but there's a NZ site that orders them, probably from the US. I've got a child's toothbrush but will need to tie it to something to get it into the back of my mouth properly. Actually most of the time I'm using green swabs because I'm less than two weeks since last "little" surgery. It will take a bit of experimenting.

Love
M

Maureen, can you tell me where you ordered the waterpik from? I want one for Kris.
Tammy

Yeah, that shake is awesome! I had something similar during radiation. The only thing I'd add is if you're sensitive to peanuts, try sun butter or almond butter (about the same calories). Cheers,

Hi Tammy. I ordered one from Fishpond. Cheaper version not the big one but I think they are all available.

make sure it has the tongue cleaner attachment. Otherwise the pik part will HURT!!!! the tongue cleaner looks like a spoon and it has a more diffuse spray it works well during treatment and doesn't hurt... too much... hugs.