A cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on how you live your life. As you start the treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, it can be difficult to continue living at the same speed and independence that you once did.
Nobody wants to lose their independence, and in some cases you do 't have to. Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to set up your home in order to maintain the greatest possible independence
One of the first places to start: Your kitchen ..
Making your kitchen Cancer friendly
kitchens are usually the places where we store and prepare our food. But often we store our food in difficult cabinets meet or to have small workspaces to prepare our meals.
For cancer patients, especially those with mesothelioma, there are symptoms and other complications that make it difficult to achieve. In addition, some food must be prepared in a way to make them easier to consume.
When someone is undergoing cancer treatment, their immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight diseases and infections. This makes food preparation more important to improve the nutrition and the prevention of diet-related diseases.
Here are some tips on how you or a loved one can prepare your kitchen to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone with a debilitating cancer such as mesothelioma.
Standing Up can be tiring for mesothelioma patients
chemotherapy and surgery often leave many patients with mesothelioma feel tired during and after treatment.
because of that standing to prepare a meal can be difficult.
Try to rearrange your kitchen to create a space to relax you, or allow your loved dice and chop vegetables, marinate meats or simply read a cook book before preparing a meal. Adding a chair with a soft cushion and wheels to your kitchen workspace provides necessary comfort when standing becomes too difficult
Consider essential mobile kitchen, such as frying pans and cutlery, an easy to reach place -. Preferably somewhere the cook can reach the chair. Minimize bending and reaching can also prevent burnout in the future.
If you find it difficult to move too many kitchen essentials for easier reach, buy a bright wide folding, you can store somewhere near.
Kitchen Essentials: Blender, canned food and meal replacements
difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is a common symptom of mesothelioma treatments and cancer. That is why it is important that mesothelioma patients eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes or delicious, antioxidant-rich smoothies.
These meals are easy to prepare when you have a blender or food processor. Both devices are generally inexpensive and widely available in department stores and even at the local store.
canned meals are an excellent source of nutrition that will not spoil. Be sure to keep several in easily accessible areas of your pantry. Meal replacements are also good if you suffer from dysphagia. Boost and Ensure are often recommended. Always check with your doctor before buying these.
Another common symptom in patients with mesothelioma is dry mouth and dehydration. It is crucial that you keep bottled water around. Also try to eat foods low in salt (which dehydrates you) and those with high water content such as fruits, gelatin and milk shakes.
The advantage of having all of these products at home is now that you will not have to leave the comfort of your home or ask someone to buy them later.
importance of food safety for cancer patients
food security is particularly important for those diagnosed with cancer.
many treatments against cancer, such as chemotherapy, hurt the immune system of a patient, making them more susceptible to other diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends the following tips:
Before and after you or your loved ones create a culinary masterpiece, it is important to wash hands. Although basic pretend you'd be surprised how harmful microbes can be washed away.
Also, make sure to wash and scrub all fruits and vegetables you plan to use. Throughout the transportation, dirt and other harmful substances can build outside of healthy products. Cleaning utensils and cutting boards before and after each use can prevent the dangerous cross-contamination, especially when working with raw meat and poultry.
When preparing recipes with meat, poultry, eggs or fish, be sure to cook food thoroughly to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, and above all, attention to dates use by "listed on all foods your recipe needs. Do not risk eating spoiled food.
plan for any help you might need
you are not alone in this journey.
Consult your oncologist about dieticians in oncology that will help you in your cancer treatment process. They are the best resource for nutrition advice.
There may come a time when you need more help than you realized, and that's okay. Talk to the people in advance to determine who can help you cook and clean if necessary . by creating a network of resources, you can try to keep your independence as long as possible.
