Traditional Holiday Meal May Need Adjustment For Chemotheraphy Patients
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If one of your Thanksgiving Day guests is undergoing chemotherapy, you may be wondering what to serve for dinner.
Chemotherapy affects people differently, say the experts, so it's best to ask your guest what his or her food issues are.
Do certain food aromas make her sick, or does she have trouble with spicy or sweet food? Amanda Agamy, a clinical oncology nutritionist at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in Philadelphia, says it's good to offer options.
"Variety is key, so maybe something as simple as cottage cheese and fruit or a broth-based soup," she advises. "Bread is usually tolerated well, so just having a lot of options would be best."
She says bland foods such as turkey and mashed potatoes are often tolerated, but just remember there are some days the patient just can't eat no matter what food you offer, so be understanding.
Reported by Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060
