[quote=ChristineB]
During rads a patient should be taking in a minimum of 2500 or even 3000 calories every day. Water intake minimums are 48oz, but some will say much higher is necessary like 80 oz daily. This is one of the most important things that can be done. Its controllable in a whirlwind of things that are out of control. Its not easy to take this much in but it will help the patient get thru everything so much easier. [/quote]

I learned the hard way the incredible importance of this; first time (14yrs ago) I had chemo/rad and refused the feeding tube, lost 25% of my total weight and that made everything much more difficult - second time (surgery+rad) I had the feeding tube put in, maintained my weight which vastly improved my ability to maintain my attitude/strength. It's critical.