For family and friends - Special notes for caregivers

As a caregiver, there is plenty that you can do to help your friend or loved one through the period of cancer treatment. Hopefully some of the tips here may be useful to you as you prepare food or meals. Here are some problems you may encounter on your way:

• Be prepared for their tastes to change from day to day. Some days they won’t want favourite foods because they don't taste right. Other times, they will be able to eat a dish that couldn't be tolerated just the day before. 
• It is important that patients maintain their body weight and strength during their entire journey, even if sometimes they don't feel hungry at all. Be prepared for times when they are able to eat only one or two foods for a few daysin a row, until side effects diminish. 
• Have food within easy reach at home and meals and snacks ready so they can have something to eat when they are ready. 
• Even if they can't eat at all, still encourage plenty of fluids and nutritional supplements if they have been prescribed. 
• Talk to the patient about their needs and concerns, and about ideas that might work best. A willingness to be flexible and supportive no matter what will help them feel in control of the situation. 
• Try not to push the patient into eating and drinking. Encourage and support without being overwhelming.

Source: National Cancer Institute