Nourishment and hydration are vital during and after treatment. From the time I joined the forums I read that advice. It was drilled into my head.

Hydrate hydrate hydrate!... eat what you can while you can.... calories calories calories! Believe me, I knew full well as did my caregiver what I needed to do.

In reality, I was unable to maintain that pace due to side effects. I made it through treatment but not without losing too much weight and getting a PEG literally 2 hours after ringing the bell.

Now, 7 weeks out of treatment I'm doing quite well. I'm eating solid foods again but still getting 80% of my nourishment through the PEG. Weight has been stable.

David's advice on fluids is spot on. I got IV fluids practically every day from week 3 on. Hydrate and eat as much as you can while you can and don't beat yourself up if you can't maintain it. Ask for help from your team if you find yourself falling behind the eight ball.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"