Getting Those Calories In—Ideas For a Mechanical Diet

Attention head/neck cancer survivors: meeting your nutritional needs can be challenging. Here are some tried and true ideas and look for more ideas on our Nutrition Tips & Recipes page:

Blend a can of chicken with gravy and serve over mashed potatoes
Pancake made with milk, a serving of peanut butter spread over the top, a generous serving of hot syrup poured over the pancake; let it sit a moment so that the pancake is very soft
Morning high protein/high calorie shake – one vanilla Boost Plus or Ensure Plus, a serving of peanut butter, one banana pre-sliced and frozen, and chocolate syrup to taste mixed in blender until smooth
One sliced banana topped with a serving of peanut butter and honey
Greek yogurt mixed with Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix

Breast Reconstruction Tips and Tricks

Ask your surgeon about the following post-surgical ideas:

Wedge pillow to sleep elevated
Drainage tube control—create strip of material you will wear around your neck then hold tube in the eye of a safety pin or ask for a pocketed vest from surgeon
Ask the nurses for recovery tips; they can be a fountain of information!
Visit our blog for ten more question to ask your surgeon.

Get more information about Breast Cancer and prevention tips.

Hospital/Home Comfort Tips

Soft, fuzzy socks—it’s usually cold/dry at the hospital to prevent infection
Button-down-the-front clothing—pajamas, cotton blouses (casual and dress) will give you a sense of independence at home while your movement is limited if your surgery was on both breasts
Lip balm and moisturizer
Dry shampoo—you won’t be able to shower right away

Baby wipes
Mints
Battery operated tooth brush—requires less arm movement to get it done
Soft blanket or throw
Entertainment that doesn’t require concentration; i.e. music or magazines

Natural Nausea Remedy

Consider using Sea Bands, elastic/magnetic therapy bands used for sea sickness. Place the bands three finger lengths down from the top of each wrist.

Relaxation During Radiation Treatments

If the radiation treatments make you feel anxious, try deep breathing exercises to relax your heart and mind. Or, be like our survivor, Dick, and sing a favorite song in your head!

Reminder Binder

Make a 3-ring binder with plastic sleeves to put all the cards/notes in you receive to remind you on a bad day how many people truly care about you. Add motivational messages, inspiring quotes, and anything that makes you smile!

Subscribe to our email newsletter HOPE Connect today >

HOPE Connect is our email newsletter that educates you on prevention and provides simple ideas to make life easier during the cancer journey. Our privacy guarantee means we'll never share your email address with anyone.

HOPE Cancer Connection proudly serves the communities of Appleton, Grand Chute, Greenville, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, New London, Chilton, Omro, Hortonville, Sherwood, Winneconne, Combined Locks, and Fond du Lac.

HOPE Cancer Connection, Inc.
W6416 Greenville Drive
Greenville, WI 54942
Phone: 920-882-1900

Menu

Treatment Comfort Tips