Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer related questions answered by experts in the field.

Nutrition and Chemotherapy after Gastric Bypass Surgery
Question I had gastric bypass surgery about 5 years ago. Now I am about to start treatment for colon cancer with chemo. I am really worried about how to manage nutrition with this combination. Any advice appreciated! Answer Katrina Claghorn, Registered Dietician at Penn Medicine, responds: Managing your nutritional status during treatment may

Nutritional Supplements Drinks after Radiation
Question My husband has trouble with thick secretions after radiation, but also we are trying to maintain his weight. People had suggested Boost, but I am worried that" a milk-like product" will only make things thicker. Are there other options? Answer Valaree Williams MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Department of Radiation Oncology

Nutritional Status and TPN
My father has had a total small bowel and sub-total large bowel resection due to a carcinoid tumor. He is currently on a total TPN diet but continues to lose weight and is spending a lot of time in the hospital I feel he is not getting the proper amount of protein in his TPN. Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Liquid Nutrition Supplements
Should I take liquid nutrition supplements during my cancer treatment? Katrina Claghorn, RD, Oncology Dietitian for The University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds: Maintaining your nutrition status during the course of cancer treatment is a goal shared by the medical team.However the side effects of the

Post-Gastrectomy Nutrition
Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My father had a gastrectomy for his gastric cancer 3 weeks ago. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The main problem for him now is discomfort after eating even small amounts of food. We feel he is not getting enough nutrition. I would like to know what type of diet my father should be on? And

Diet

Importance of Low Iodine-Diet
Question If you mess up your low-iodine diet will the treatments be less effective? I am so stressed out about this diet! Answer Marcia Brose, MD, Director of Thyroid Cancer Therapeutics Program at Penn Medicine responds, Yes! So if you have messed up your diet, let your physician know immediately so that they can reschedule your treatments.

Diet After Thyroid Surgery
Question What kind of diet do I need to follow if I had surgery for thyroid cancer or have a recurrence of thyroid cancer? Answer Rachel Kelz, MD, MSCE, at Penn Medicine responds, Thyroid cancer surgery does not require a specific diet. You are usually instructed to avoid foods that worsen your sore throat. If you need treatment with

Raw Diet for Pets with Cancer
Question I've read that a diet free of grains may slow the cancer, is this accurate? what are the panel's thoughts on the Budwig diet or flax oil/cottage cheese combination? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM, Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer There are no clinical studies of grain free diets in dogs with cancer.

Diet Needs for Dog Being Treated for Cancer
Question My dog is starting on chemo for lymphoma. Do you have suggestions for a diet that might help manage any side effects or keep him from losing weight? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Hill's has a diet for dogs with cancer called n/d that you could discuss with your

Low Iodine Diet
Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am about to receive radioiodine treatments and I need to follow a low iodine diet. Can you give me any direction? ThanksKB Katrina Claghorn, RD, Oncology Dietitian for The University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds: The point of a low iodine diet is to deplete