Current cancer patient here, with 3 years of chemo experience.

Do not do lasagna or any tomato based sauce. Tomatoes are acidic and chemo makes it very painful to eat acidic foods.

I went through chemo treatments a couple of years ago, and friends like you are what helped my family through it - believe it or not, lots of people unintentionally stay away, I think they are worries cancer (or bad luck) are contagious . My suggestions are (1) make sure the meal deliveries are spaced out because we were kindly brought lots of food but it was too much and we had nowhere to store it and it wound up being a stressor for me, and (2) focus on healthy, family-friendly meals, and don't worry too much about pleasing the patient, as who knows what she will be in the mood for or able to eat (eg, I had terrible mouth sores for weeks so really only ate soups and smoothies then) - it is a huge help when you are sick to know that your kids are still eating healthy, complete meals. If this is a good friend of yours, you could always text her before a visit and ask if there is some special treat you can bring her like a muffin or latte or whatever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are a good friend! I absolutely agree -- no spicy anything since even the odor could be upsetting to her tummy because of the chemo treatments. Each person is affected differently.

I like the PP's lasagna suggestion! Other items: whole roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and veggie; old fashioned tuna noodle casserole with the potato chips on top; pork tenderloin barbecue (non-spicy sauce); honey baked ham with biscuits and sides; frittata or quiche; chicken alfredo.

Two others that don't meet the freezable criteria but popular with kids and a nice pick-me-up: breakfast for dinner with pancakes, bacon, syrup, fruit; ice cream sundae bar (not dinner but fun).

WTF!!! Stinky and makes me want to barf even without being under chemo. No cooked fish!

You want food that is light and delicate and easy on the stomach. Think soups with clear broth (no miso soup though--some BC patients avoid tofu and soy due to estrogen), good breads, fruit salads, cold grain salads, salad mixes in bags that she can prepare easily, frozen smoothie mixes, coconut water, etc.

I would also suggest gift cards for places like doordash, so she can order food in from any number of restaurants if she has a craving for a particular type of cuisine.

Wow, you responded pretty strongly. I included the tuna noodle casserole because it was THE most popular dish that two different neighbors received (from someone else, by the way) during their treatments. One was doing radiation, the other chemo. The husband and kids all loved it. Both moms said it reminded of them of when they were kids. I did not query them if they ate it themselves but I certainly would have noticed if one of them said that it made them 'barf'.

For my part, I think things like DoorDash are not as helpful for sick moms with kids. Notice how nicely I was able to disagree and without all the exaggeration and imperatives ... sigh.

She is going to get tons of lasagna. Instead, quiches, soups, stews, grain or bean salads, rotisserie chicken and roasted veg sides, stir fries.

Anonymous wrote:You are a good friend! I absolutely agree -- no spicy anything since even the odor could be upsetting to her tummy because of the chemo treatments. Each person is affected differently.

I like the PP's lasagna suggestion! Other items: whole roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and veggie; old fashioned tuna noodle casserole with the potato chips on top; pork tenderloin barbecue (non-spicy sauce); honey baked ham with biscuits and sides; frittata or quiche; chicken alfredo.

Two others that don't meet the freezable criteria but popular with kids and a nice pick-me-up: breakfast for dinner with pancakes, bacon, syrup, fruit; ice cream sundae bar (not dinner but fun).

WTF!!! Stinky and makes me want to barf even without being under chemo. No cooked fish!

You want food that is light and delicate and easy on the stomach. Think soups with clear broth (no miso soup though--some BC patients avoid tofu and soy due to estrogen), good breads, fruit salads, cold grain salads, salad mixes in bags that she can prepare easily, frozen smoothie mixes, coconut water, etc.

I would also suggest gift cards for places like doordash, so she can order food in from any number of restaurants if she has a craving for a particular type of cuisine.

If there's a rotating list of people I'd stay away from lasagna or heavy Italian meals. I like to bring enchiladas and salad. So many lasagnas are brought!

My friend loved milkshakes when she was having chemo. Her family appreciated the meals.

When my aunt was undergoing chemo the only thing she found palatable was Ensure. Your friend's sense of taste may be affected. The family will appreciate the food though, very nice of you.

go lebanese. Grilled chicken breasts; dill & cucumber greek yogurt dip; hummus (bought is ok/put in diff container top with olive oil and paprika.

Shredded romaine, parsley, baby carrots.

Cold lentil salad = cooked lentils, green onions, chopped walnuts, red pepper, red onion -- balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Sure I am missing something

I am vegetarian. We loved it when our friends ordered us Italian from a local restaurant, and even good pizza. I cry when I think of how kind my friends are to have done this. My mom died of cancer in June, and she always cooked for all of us.

Someone brought us a platter of subs from Wegmans . Half were Italian and the other half chicken salad . She also brought chips, soup and a pie . We loved this ! It was not a huge platter but enough fir four of us to have one for diner and one for lunch the next day.

I always bring chicken soup, fresh bread and some kind of muffins or scones for breakfast

You are a good friend! I absolutely agree -- no spicy anything since even the odor could be upsetting to her tummy because of the chemo treatments. Each person is affected differently.

I like the PP's lasagna suggestion! Other items: whole roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and veggie; old fashioned tuna noodle casserole with the potato chips on top; pork tenderloin barbecue (non-spicy sauce); honey baked ham with biscuits and sides; frittata or quiche; chicken alfredo.

Two others that don't meet the freezable criteria but popular with kids and a nice pick-me-up: breakfast for dinner with pancakes, bacon, syrup, fruit; ice cream sundae bar (not dinner but fun).

Lasagna. Not "spicy" chances are her stomach won't be up to that

My dear friend is starting chemo and I am on a list that rotates bringing her and her family food. It needs to be refridgeratorable/frozen then reheatable. Any suggestions? Kids are 6, 8, 13, 18.