Nutrition Before Cancer Treatment

However, if you are not comfortable with this method, or if your nutrient requirements have increased to a large extent, then using a feeding tube would be a better option.

Through feeding tube
This method is especially used in people with poor appetite to maintain their calorie levels and to increase body weight. If you wish, you can take tube feedings at home with a helping hand from your family or friends. Though liquid diet and calorie rich formulas are commonly used while tube feeding, you can continue the normal oral intake of small meals as the tube is too thin to interfere with your swallowing. Once accustomed to this method, you will not have any problem in meeting your nutritional levels.

By total Parenteral Nutrition(TPN)
This method is normally employed in people suffering from serious digestive problems like severe vomiting or diarrhea, where tube feedings may not be appropriate. TPN involves administering the nutrient solutions through a vein, and can be given at home. It is particularly useful in people recuperating from intestinal surgeries or when there is blockage in the intestines.