It has never occurred to me that cancer would strike my beloved father. My father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in mid Jan 2008 and was informed by the doctor that we had only about 6 more months with Dad. It was a day that I would never forget.
I am writing this blog to share my experience of taking care of my Dad, and I truly hope that it can create some awareness of the need to spend more time with family, have an understanding of cancer, and what caregivers will need to know and face when taking care of a loved one diagnosed with cancer.
Noticing something was wrong…
I noticed that my Dad has lost considerable weight. There was a conspicuous loss of weight within a short period that I had thought that perhaps he has overworked and did not have a balanced diet. Dad had poor appetite too.
My understanding from the doctors is that lung cancer is usually detected when it is at its advanced stage. The symptoms of the illness at its early stage are unfortunately not easily detectable. The best way is probably not to smoke, which is the most frequent cause of lung cancer.
Nevertheless, I think it will be most useful for anyone to have regular health screening and have a good general knowledge of the warning signs of cancer for early detection of cancer.
Diets
Juices and a diet rich in vegetables are mostly recommended by friends and relatives.
My dad does not like vegetables since young, and it is not easy to switch to a vegetarian diet instantly. He had a poor appetite too. A diet that provides sufficient nutrient for Dad was a real issue to grapple.
Amongst the juices, we tried the ABC fruit juice, comprising of Apple, Beetroot and Carrot. Beetroot is regarded by most to be effective for cancerous diseases. Carrot is added for its carotene.
Afraid that fruit juices will not be sufficient for Dad, we bought Wyeth milk powder and Ensure PLUSTM that can help to provide a complete and balance diet to meet the increased dietary needs of cancer patients, the latter is also recommended by the dietician.
Ensure PLUS comes in various flavors of which vanilla tastes the best. Ensure PLUS is available at hospital retail pharmacies. Information on Ensure PLUSTM can be found at http://www.abbott.com.sg/family/for_adults/for_adults_product_info_ensureplus.asp.
Most people, even healthy people, hardly could just take fruit juices, milk and/or a strict/rich vegetable diet on a daily basis. At that point of time, I really wish that I can have a good understanding of what dishes to prepare for Dad that will provides adequate nutrients and that will be appealing to his appetite, and using mostly vegetables. I was advised that dishes should ideally be steamed or boiled and use of Miso (available from organic food outlets) that can be mixed with porridge or add to dishes. BUT certainly more can be done, isn’t it? This was my frustration then and it made me pondered whether there were any instant recipes out there for cancer patients suitable for patients who simply do not like vegetables. I have made a pact with my Dad that he needs to share with me on what types of dishes will be appealing to him, so that I can put this on website to share with others who may find it useful. Meanwhile, we tried to prepare/have the dishes that Dad requested as far as we could. Though Dad has passed on, I hope to take on the research on recipes for cancer patients suitable for patients who simply do not like vegetables, and hope it will help others.
It is perhaps helpful to know that cancer patients do not have a good appetite because taste buds may be numbed by medications and/or due to disease progression. It may be helpful to have dishes that appeal to other senses (smell, sight, touch and even hearing)
My Dad loves ice-cream when he was not well. He has shared with me that he felt warm and ice-cream could make him feel more comfortable.
Lifestyle
Use of sunflower oil to rinse the mouth and sea salt for shower were advised that could help in improving health.
Have morning walks whenever possible to get fresh air and sunlight for the well being for both physically and psychologically.
Do some simple exercises (where possible)
Useful Links
Understanding importance of vegetarianism
1. Cancer and the Vegetarian Diet (by William Harris, M.D.)
http://www.vegsource.com/harris/cancer_vegdiet.htm
2. Cancer – Are Vegetarians Better Off (by S.U. Nabarkatti)
http://www.bhj.org/books/diets/chap8.htm
For purchasing and/or renting of equipment e.g. wheelchair, oxygen concentrator
1. Lifeline Corporation Pte Ltd
http://www.lifelinecorp.com/
2. Assisted Living (the branch that I went is at Square 2, #03-20/21, situated next to Novena MRT)
Ambulance Services
- Dial 995 for SCDF ambulance when there is an emergency on hand
- Dial 1777 for a non-SCDF ambulance (e.g. for outpatient visit in which the patient needs oxygen supply)
SCDF website: http://www.scdf.gov.sg/General/Information/emergency_ambulance_service.html
- Private ambulance services & other charges
http://www.scdf.gov.sg/General/Information/1777_amb_other_charges.html
Hospice Care
Provide home care services that help in providing nursing and medical care to manage patients’ pain and symptoms, medical prescriptions, advice to caregivers. There are hospitals which have an inhouse palliative care team, and can help to trigger referrals for hospice care services.
1. Hospice Care Association
http://www.hca.org.sg/
2. Metta Welfare Association
http://www.metta.org.sg/
Support Groups and Associations
1. CareCancer Society (Singapore)
http://www.carecancer.org/
2. Kampung Senang (Singapore)
http://www.kg-senang.org.sg/
3. National Cancer Institute (US)
http://www.cancer.gov/
I will be adding more information along the way.
If you happen to be reading this blog, and would like to share useful information on care for cancer patients, please email me at lynlyn78@gmail.com. Your sharing will be useful for caregivers who may need the information. Thanks much.
