You can try freezing Ensure in popsicles - they are pretty good to suck on and don't really have to be able to swallow a lot and they have some nutritional value. Problem may be no appetite, however, so may have to work at it. For my Dad I put it in ice cube trays with coffee shirrers (SP?) so he could hold them and just suck on them.

Thanks for the suggestions. We went to his radiation treatment today and saw the doctor. He decided to increase the number of visits to 18 from 13 but lower the dose of the radiation to minimize side effects. I asked him how would they know if the treatment is working. He said I can already tell by Ken's breathing that it is working. So hopefully he will continue to get more relief with out to bad of side effects. Thursday we go to the chemo doctor so we may know more. Thanks for your continued support.
My sister's husband ended up in the hospital Sunday with a worsening of some back pain he had been having. They found some lesions on his spine that they feel may be a spread of the prostate cancer he had 6 years ago. So if you could please keep them in your prayers as well. It is so hard to believe we are both dealing with this at the same time.

Praying for everyone! Glad the treatment is helping!!!:D

I hope Ken continues to get some relief with breathing.

Keep getting nutrition in him whenever you can, cause his weight will likely plummet throughout the remaining treatment, esp. the chemo.

:hands::hands::hug:

Patti,

Oh my.......
I'm sorry to hear about your sister's husband.
I will add him to my prayers as well as keep Ken and you in my prayers.

Tell your sister to have her husband fir multiple meyloma.. That is what my dh has it is manageable

Prayers and hugs

Thanks. Ken had no treatment today so he was able to rest all day. I swear he looks thinner (if that's possible). He is eating pretty good right now but I know your right Sandy. As soon as he has trouble swallowing or nausea from the chemo it will be hard to get him to eat. I am anxious for the oncologist appointment tomorrow to find out about the chemo type and start date. My BIL will be at the same cancer center tomorrow but in a different town as his oncologist is out of a different office. Thanks for the continued prayers.

Patti, I am sorry that your BIL is also battling CA. Your whole family is in my prayers.

I hope Ken's breathing continues to improve and that he will be able to continue eating better.

We saw the oncologist today and Ken has 2 more weeks of radiation and then starts the chemo on the 6th of October. He started having a hard time swallowing today so the doctor checked his mouth and he has Thrush. So they gave him some medication. They want him to eat better but he is an impossibly picky eater. The nutritionist is going to call me and discuss how we can get him to eat better. They gave me some samples of Ensure and Boost. Then Pixie has been acting very anxious for a couple of days so she has had her thundershirt on and on her nutricalm. She woke me up every 2 hours last night to go out so I ran in a urine sample and she has crystals in her urine and it's too alkaline so she is on antibiotics and and acidifier. My BIL starts radiation Monday for his bone cancer. Thanks for the continued prayers and thoughts they are much appreciated.

Oh dear Patti, I wish there was more I could say to do. My heart is with you and Ken every step of the way thru this hard time, and you are in my prayers every day.

I hope the nutritionist can be of help, it is so important yet so hard to keep them eating.

Hugs!

Patti...I feel so terribly sad about both you and Ken and your sister and her husband. I pray for a successful treatment for both of them and for strength for you and your sister. Love you, dear friend. *HUG*

Patti, I am just seeing all of this. :( I am so sorry. I will keep you and Ken and your sister and her husband in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti just to let you know that i am thinking of you & your sister.I pray that they are both healed Hugs to all of you

Oh no! This is just unbelievable that two in the same family come down with CA at the same time! I hate to say this but maybe it's a good thing bc you all will be able to support each other through treatment and such. Keeping everyone in my prayers... sending positive thoughts too and healing energies your way! Hang in there and fight this thing with everything you've got and then some! Big Hugs to all... and I won't let go till you push me away!

Just a reminder... food is not going to taste good until the body returns to better health... just eat it! Bodies need fuel to fight this battle. There's a company in Florida that sells Puddy cups (that's what we call them). I'll find the link.... it's as much nutrition packed in a 4 oz serving as one can get ... here's some ideas: Nutritional Supplements To Promote Elderly Weight Gain | LIVESTRONG.COM (The Chocolate whey protein is quite yummy)

But this is the link I was looking for: Main site: 4WebMed

Product I recommend you speak to your DH nutritionist or doc about:

4WebMed Magic cups

(We bought this by the case for my DD when she was in need and her Doctor recommended it)

This is the only place I know of that the public can buy this... the real name is 'Magic Cups'.... :

Magic Cup™ 4.00 ounce FrozenQTYTypeViewQTYTypeView
Vanillahttp://www.4webmed.com/images/view.gif
Orange Crèmehttp://www.4webmed.com/images/view.gif
Chocolatehttp://www.4webmed.com/images/view.gif
Wild Berryhttp://www.4webmed.com/images/view.gifhttp://www.4webmed.com/images/product/need_img_sml.gifMagic Cup™ as either a pudding or an ice cream, provides an excellent source of protein and calories. 5 amazing flavors. Convenient 4-ounce servings. Suitable for persons with dysphagia. 280 calories and 9 grams of protein.
$ 2.29 ea http://www.4webmed.com/images/add_to_cart.gifQuantity DiscountCase: 48 $95.52 ($1.99 ea) Single Flavor
Case: 72 $143.28 ($1.99 ea) Any Combo Click to Order Single Flavor Case: Vanilla Orange Crème Chocolate Wild Berry

Hope this helps....

Patti I'm sorry that Ken has that awful thrush. The medication should help really well. Did the Doctor also give what I call the Magic Mouth Wash? This also really helps. It helps numb the throat area some. Also those Puppy Cups that was mentioned are also great. I had used those during my Chemo Treament. Also just make sure he stays real hydrated as well.

I was also so sorry to hear about your Sister's Husband.

Your whole family has my thoughts and prayers.
Pixie has my prayers as well.