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6 SUNNYSIDE
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL & CLINICS
CANCER TREATMENT
can take
a lot out of you. So it’s a good idea to
pay careful attention to what goes into
you—particularly what you eat.
Good nutrition can help you better
tolerate side effects and heal more
quickly. It can also help you generally
feel better.
A healthful diet typically doesn’t
change a lot when you have cancer.
The emphasis is on getting a variety of
nutrients necessary for good health.
However, during treatment, you may
encounter challenges to eating well.
The American Cancer Society and
The American Institute for Cancer
Research offer these suggestions.
Talk with your doctor about
possible side effects
Knowing the difficulties that might lie
ahead can help you better deal with
them.
For example, if nausea is a side
effect of the chemotherapy drugs
you’ll receive, it may be helpful
to eat dry foods—such as toast or
crackers—when you wake up and
every few hours. According to Patricia
Deisler, MD, hematologist/oncologist,
“Eating bland foods will help with
nausea—be careful to stay away from
citrus foods and fatty foods.” She also
suggests introducing foods that are
high in antioxidants and beverages like
ginger tea and ginger ale.
If radiation to your neck causes a
sore throat, soft foods—such as eggs or
mashed potatoes—may be best.
Be open to new ways of eating
Dr. Deisler also says that eating several
small meals may be tolerated more
easily than three large ones. Or eating
your largest meal at breakfast, rather
than dinner, may be best if you usually
feel better in the morning.
Plan ahead
There may be days when cooking or
grocery shopping sounds too tiring.
Stocking your home with healthful
snacks and frozen meals might make it
easier to eat. It’s good to ask for help
when you need it too.
Dr. Deisler offers friendly
and advanced cancer care
Patricia Deisler, MD, combines the most advanced cancer treat-
ments with an awareness of the emotional and spiritual health of
the patients and their families. She enjoys her role as the leader of
the clinical care team: impacting lives in the Valley and ensuring that
everyone receives the medical care and treatment they deserve.
Dr. Deisler practices at the Cancer Center on the main hospital cam-
pus and at the Medical Plaza in Prosser. Turn to page 5 to learn more.
A pleasing
plate
T I PS FOR E AT ING WEL L DUR ING CANCER TRE ATMENT
Our registered dietitian,
Leanna Blue, can help
with more eating tips.
Give her a call at
509-837-1788
.