Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My father is 71 years old and on chemotherapy for lung cancer, stage 3. After four cycles, he has lost nearly 15 pounds of weight and feels weak most of the day. His recent laboratory test results showed albumin 3.0 and Hb 9.7. Eating full meals is difficult due to poor taste and nausea. We want to prevent further weight loss and muscle wasting. He also complains of leg weakness and gets tired even while bathing.
Which protein drinks can help a 71-year-old lung cancer patient stay strong during chemotherapy?
Are whey-based drinks like Ensure or Protinex safe with chemotherapy medications?
Can a high-protein intake worsen kidney stress since his creatinine is 1.4?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understood your concern.
Chemotherapy can sometimes cause visual problems or general weakness. In such situations, protein supplements are considered very helpful and can be given to improve protein and creatinine levels in the blood. They are generally safe and do not interfere with chemotherapy.
However, I would also like to add that if chemotherapy is causing significant side effects and his general condition is not good, we can consider targeted therapy or immunotherapy as alternatives. These can achieve similar tumor shrinkage and help reduce metastasis, depending on the patient's overall condition.
In elderly patients, I usually do not prefer continuing aggressive chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is often used in stage three because there is a chance to control or eliminate the tumor, if it is causing major side effects and he is unable to move or perform daily activities, we can stop chemotherapy and switch to targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Regarding the protein supplements you mentioned, they are good and beneficial. Herbal remedies containing antioxidants can also help him get through this stage.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Treatment plan
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Answered byDr. Shimaa Abdelatti Osman
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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