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Dad's Journey with Appetite Loss

Navigating Appetite Loss With Mary Jane



Has your loved one been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Are you having trouble getting them to eat? My family is not new to cancer and its impact. We’re intimate with the ebbs and flows of cancer treatment. When my dad was diagnosed, anxieties, fear, and worries were high. There was much to consider, and his appetite was a top priority.


I know marijuana is still a hot topic these days. What I’m going to share is not medical advice and you should seek the expertise of your cancer team before making any decisions concerning your health. 




My dad smoked medical marijuana to increase his appetite during chemo treatment. He also walked early in the morning to help boost his metabolism. He often experienced nausea the day of and the day after treatment. I saw him smoke to help curve his nausea as well. Our family noticed a significant change in his ability to keep down food as time progressed. He even began to put on weight in his trunk region (abdomen and chest areas of the body).



These photos were taken while he was on chemo by Udo Asomugha Photography. The Baylor Strong Family hopes these photos inspire you and your family to keep fighting.


However, I still have many questions regarding the research pertaining to the correlation between marijuana and appetite for cancer patients. I know, if I saw results, why do I still have questions? Right? I’m glad you asked. My dad had what’s called cachexia. It’s a fancy medical term to describe muscle wasting and atrophy in the limbs. Most cancer patients experience this phenomenon. Even though my dad increased his caloric intake, the nutrients and calories needed to maintain muscle mass was missing. I’ve been on the hunt for answers for 4 years now. Until I’ve gathered my findings, join me in a dialog about what you’ve tried for your loved one to help them eat the calories they need. Subscribe to the Baylor Strong blog below and share your stories with the me.

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