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Original poster

What to cook for a couple one of whom going through chemo....?

28 replies

Bearnecessity · 29/10/2020 18:20

I want to cook a home cooked meal to help out my dear friends...I was going to cook chorizo,bean,tomato pasta with a rhubarb and ginger crumble and clotted cream.

Then it occurred this might not be suitable/desirable for people going through chemo...should I do something blander?

Anyone any experience of this?

OP posts:
CovidClara · 29/10/2020 18:36

My DH couldn't manage anything spicy (and still cant really a year later) but his was head and neck cancer.

CaffeineInfusion · 29/10/2020 18:45

You'll have to ask them. There were some foods my friend just couldn't tolerate.

Lovely idea though.

Maybe something for the freezer so it can be heated through on a day when there's no nausea.

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 29/10/2020 18:53

Oh ok, yes ''tis a brain tumour....what to cook that is not spicy but still yummy?

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CovidClara · 29/10/2020 19:01

My DH couldn't taste anything really. He could taste eggs if that helps.

Griefmonster · 29/10/2020 19:03

I started following Ryan Reilly on twitter and his work on "Life Kitchen" project:
twitter.com/LifeKitchen?s=09 for inspiration

ifiwasascent · 29/10/2020 19:05

It's difficult- my FIL had a Brain tumour and I know we had to peel the cucumebr otherwise it would of interfered with his treatment!? I think stay away from rich/spicy foods. It's a lovely thing you're doing but I think a lot of people with chemo feel very sick a lot

chinateapot · 29/10/2020 19:05

I think it’s massively variable. My daughter on chemo would eat chorizo and olives but declared that hot chocolate tasted disgusting. All you can do is ask them (and it might vary day to day too)

MagicSummer · 29/10/2020 19:08

How about a cheese souffle? Easy and soft to eat but tasty with tangy cheddar and some mustard. With a salad if that appeals to your friend?

KnightsofColumbusThatHurt · 29/10/2020 19:14

I think it sounds OK (especially the dessert!) but then everyone is different. Just ask them what they would like.

I always used to think that the whole 'bringing round a meal' thing was a bit of a cliche until I went through chemo myself and people actually did it for me and I really appreciated it! Also, maybe ask them when would be a good time to bring it round - for the first few days after each cycle of one of my chemos, the only thing I could stomach was beige carbs as I felt so sick, but once that subsided I really appreciated someone cooking me a nice dinner!

KnightsofColumbusThatHurt · 29/10/2020 19:16

Oooh yes, Ryan Reilly is great!

Funnily enough I never got the loss of taste/metallic taste thing.

I hope your friend's treatment goes OK Flowers

Ajahd · 29/10/2020 19:20

Definitely ask them. My Mum had no appetite whatsoever and could only stomach potato scones and a fried egg. My dad would cook that for breakfast, lunch and dinner if she was feeling up for it, just to make sure she ate. Everything else would make her feel worse. But then again, she had chemo once every three weeks and the worst part of the nausea would last for the first week or so and then she could eat other things so might be worth thinking about timing also if that makes sense

DaisyDreaming · 29/10/2020 19:22

Just avoid things that burn mouth ulcers. I would ask them though as everyone is different and check it’s needed on the date you plan to do it

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 30/10/2020 09:13

Thank you everyone some lovely suggestions here. ''Tis a bit tricky, I just want to turn up with dinner cos they are a very self-sufficient, capable couple and if I asked it would all be no,no we're fine, you mustn't trouble yourself etc etc. They are life's givers and doers, being on the receiving end doesn't come easy or settle well. They really aren't used to being in this position or really knowing or open to accepting help and care. I love the sound of your cheese soufflé Magic I might be cooking that for my own family soon. I think I am going to do a simple chicken casserole and plough on with the crumble I mentioned. Thanks again..

OP posts:
Alternista · 30/10/2020 09:18

It sounds lovely but please don’t just turn up.
If you must, send them a text a couple of hours before to let them know you’ve cooked for them, you’ll drop it on the doorstep at 5 (or whatever) but you’re not expecting to be invited in.

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 30/10/2020 14:47

Thanks Alternista that part is all sorted I did same when taking gifts last week.

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Muddybuddy · 30/10/2020 15:10

Agree to ask them. My relative having chemo loved spicy food as it was the only thing he could taste

PenguindreamsofDraco · 30/10/2020 16:22

It's so personal. My mother couldn't stomach tomatoes but loved pineapple for half of each course only!

reluctantbrit · 30/10/2020 16:31

It is lovely that you want to surprise them but please don't.

My MIL had chemo for lung cancer and depending on the cycle in her treatment she went from nibbling on cold toast to smooth soups to normal meals. But also the appetit varied, so they may not be able to eat that much.

You could cook and give the food in single portions to freeze. So they can just get some out for the non-patient to heat up when the patient is not feeling up to it and they don't want to cook.

minipie · 30/10/2020 16:55

Tricky one. My mum’s having chemo at the moment and is following a pretty strict regime - no sugar or dairy and not much by way of refined carbs - as she believes this diet will help with the cancer (she knows and reads a lot about nutrition). My dad is following an even stricter diet for his rheumatoid arthritis. So they are near impossible to cook for! The best I can do for them is make chicken stock, which they are getting through in large quantities.

Is there something else you could do for them? Laundry perhaps?? I know it feels like a less nice gift to give but may be more appreciated in the circumstances.

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 30/10/2020 18:12

Hi, 'tis all done now.... I will drop it off even if the patient isn't up to it her carer hubby will eat it up I'm sure or even some of her adult children also swinging by to help out,it may help a little bit.

OP posts:
LizzieMacQueen · 30/10/2020 18:20

That's a kind thing to do. Yes, focus on the fact that you're feeding the carers so they can concentrate on looking after your friend.

Alternista · 30/10/2020 18:34

You’re a good friend, OP :)

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 30/10/2020 19:06

Thank you...I don't feel like it is much tho' an awful lot of my friends /family going through it at the moment...tricky times.

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Svelteinmydreams · 30/10/2020 19:13

What a kind thing to do. I am loving the sound of the dessert, ginger is generally good for chemo patients as it settles stomachs.

My sisters filled my freezer while I had chemo. Lots of soup, casseroles etc. It was so kind, and although I couldn’t taste much, DH was in heaven
You are a kind friend.

Original poster
Bearnecessity · 30/10/2020 19:35

Thank you Svelte...I did wonder about the ginger as I remember I liked it when first pregnant for the same reason. I made my own family a little one on the side when I made it. Hopefully it's yummy...otherwise I can blame Tom Kerridge I followed his recipe to the letter. Your sisters sound lovely...I hope you are in good form now.

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