Just had a thought John. Have you tried Culver's concrete turtle shakes? They have about 1400 calories apiece and are really good. If you can tolerate ice cream products and have a Culver's around you should give this one a try. Mary

Hi John, It's Mary B. I finally got around to checking out your blog. It's great! It's also very uplifting to be reminded that you are still very much with us and plan keep it that way. I remember what seems like 100 years ago being at your house on Hill St. Who would have ever dreamed that life would take such turns. I so love and admire your family for the unwavering strength and love you all have for each other. I think about all of you daily and pray that things are going OK. Love and strength, Mary

p.s. hmmm, i hope it didn't sound like i had an agenda. For the record, I'm neither pro- nor anti-vegetarian. I eat dead animal on a daily basis, so I'm just sayin'. That's why i'm "marbles." I usually feel I have to come back around and pick up some loose ones. :) When I lived in Janesville I got the paper everyday and even though i'm not much of a sports fan I used to read your columns b/c i enjoyed your writing style. I feel bad for the rough times you're going through and I wish you well. I'm cheering you on from afar!! Keep writing.

Hello again John, Gee, I don't know what to tell you. My heart Doctor told me to eat foods high in protein and calories. That's what I've been trying to do. I've lost about 40lbs and kind of lost my taste for food when I was in Mayo Clinic 3 times for a total of 18 days. I've just had my 9th chemo treatment today and food still tastes pretty good to me. Maybe if you seasoned it a little that might help. I guess I'm also going to be getting radiation soon and don't know if that will affect the taste of food. I know that my type of cancer[bile duct]there isn't any cure if they can't operate and get all the tumor, which they couldn't. So hopefully the chemo and radiation will give me a few more months of quality time. i have been eating blueberries and red seedless grapes, they are suppose to be high in anti-oxidents and that is good for fighting cancer I'm told. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day, All the best to you and may God Bless....Larry

I love food so I absolutely sympathize! I am so sorry. Here is my pathetic attempt to help: How about mashed sweet potatoes sprinkled with brown sugar? It is one of my favorites. I hope you can enjoy. If not, definitely try it when this phase of your life is over.

I'm surprised more people aren't responding to the food topic of all things. I don't have a lot of input but felt more should be said. I'm not a cancer patient, but was in the 1970's as a teenager and went on to have a healthy life including babies--now adults! So there's a little dose of inspiration. I had chemo for 1-1/2 years and food wasn't an issue b/c it caused mouth sores that didn't allow me to eat much of anything except a lot of ice chips. My initial reaction when reading your blog however made me think that your body is probably telling you what it needs to hear. What you taste are the nutritious vegetables and fruits. To heal, you're perhaps not going to benefit from dead animal, so you can't taste those. Your body's a smart machine! I know you miss those right now, but maybe experiment with other protein sources like nuts or protein drinks and stuff yourself with fresh produce. Finally, my sister is currently a cancer patient and has the great fortune of having a naturopathic oncologist working in tandem with her regular oncologist. Among the multitude of things she's learned from him is that to recover more swiftly she needs to eat mega amounts of fresh, raw, vegetables and fruits. (minus strawberries and grapes which hold too many color additives and pesticides; organic is best) He says she can eat absolutely anything she wants, but she must also eat this very high volume of the raw stuff. So I say, bulk up big-time on the naturals, add an alternative protein source and for calories have banana splits and loaded baked potatoes with every meal.

John,
I am so sorry that your taste buds are bad. YOU find what you like and you let us know how we can find the recipes that work!

How well I remember those days of eating because that is what you were suppose to do wether it tasted good or not. A few days after treatment (when I felt better) I would insist on flavor and would head to a local buffet (I know not a recommended place to eat when on chemo) and stuff myself with smoked trout - it was wonderful!!! Have you read the book The Cancer Crusade's Little Book of Hope & Humor by Roger & Kathy Cawthon? If not, do as it is full of helpful hints as well as inspiritring. Their webb site is www.TheCancerCrusade.com

My dad lost his sense of taste due to radiation therapy. He said he could still taste oatmeal a little bit (he used milk and regular sugar - I never thought to have him try brown sugar or maple syrup as sweeteners on it) and Jello instant coconut pudding.