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• Glenys

  

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  February 4, 2012 3:05:50 PM WATime

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  Hi Sandy
  I'm composing a 'fact sheet' that will be posted to the site soon to discuss chemotherapy and dealing with side-effects, so hopefully that will cover many aspects when having treatment.
  Meanwhile the best 'quick tips' are:
  1. eat small meals & snacks regularly
  2. avoid hot, spicy, oily, greasy and very sweet foods as they may be upsetting
  3. try casseroles, nutritious soups and stews.
  4. try rinsing your mouth before eating with a recommended mouthwash or mix of bicarb soda and water to 'freshen' your mouth
  5. Try milkshakes, smoothies or protein shakes
  Many good tips on the net if you search 'chemotherapy and nutrition'.
  
  Hair doesn't usually grow back on chemo. This does depend which type of chemo each person is having, though. With most breast cancer chemotherapy treatments, hair will not grow back until treatment is finished.
  
  Sunburn is more of a concern as chemo increases skin sensitivity to the uv rays, therefore increasing likelihood of 'burning' to the skin. Taking good precautions such as wearing hat, sunscreen and protective clothing is very helpful to avoid burning when out in the sun. Also trying to avoid the 'peak' hours during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest helps.
  
  
  I am sure many members would have some good diet tips from their experiences. Would love to hear some ..

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• Glenys

  

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  February 23, 2012 10:18:08 PM WATime

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  NB: This response was initially posted in reply to questions from a member having chemo regarding:
  1. what to eat if food tastes 'funny'?
  2. does hair grow back during chemo?
  3. why are you more likely to get sunburnt?
  This entry was unfortunately 'wiped' when the member accidently deleted herself! She's back now!

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• DebbieM

  

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  February 24, 2012 5:43:06 PM WATime

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  Hi, I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem. I feel that since having chemo and have no interest in food. Food is just not exciting to me anymore. I have been craving really sweet things, I think because it is such a strong taste. I rarely cook and avoid it whenever I can. Debbie
• Glenys

  

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  March 21, 2012 3:26:25 PM WATime

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  It's certainly true that during chemo, taste buds are affected and food tastes different. Adding flavour to food with herbs, spices and marinades can really help.
  
  Most of the time taste buds will recover after chemo finishes, but some permanent effect is possible. This may also be caused by an 'association' effect, i.e. losing taste for food may be prolonged due to the memories of altered taste. An example of this type of effect: I bought two choc icecreams with my lunch money as a kid (yes, bit greedy!!) and felt so sick I cannot eat choc icecream even now - just don't like the taste anymore. I used to love it!!. Getting past the 'association' effect can take some clever tactics and persistence!
  
  A general information resource for nutrition and exercise during chemo treatment from the Cancer Council can be found at:
  http://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/brochures/Nutrition-Exercise-09.pdf

  The Click Breast Care Nurse 

• jojo

  

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  March 21, 2012 4:40:41 PM WATime

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  Great article Glenys... however it doesn't mention the macdonalds chicken nuggets that got me through when I was having chemo....can't stand the smell or sight of them now though haha! (dry retch at the sight/smell of them)
  But hey, it got me through! :D
  I believe in eating properly, and do most of the time now, I even have a vegetable patch and grow my own food and that helps me when I don't feel like eating anything.... I'll always eat something I grew :D
  Oh I found also if I didn't fancy eating anything, a sustagen hospital strength drink was a good substitute... I ate pretty much nothing for the one week out of three that I had chemo... and then ate everything in sight the two weeks I wasn't!

  Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.

• bec81

  

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  May 2, 2012 11:54:48 AM WATime

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  I've been making some soups with good things in and freezing in small portions. Seems to work okay when I just can't face preparing anything! Mum also has my freezer stocked with her 'nutritious concoctions!' - so never short of things to try. But sometimes the only thing I can face is that spoonful of peanut butter .. gets me through! x

  30yo Dx Feb 12, Left mastectomy and axillary clearance Feb. 5cm grade 3 tumour with 15/19 lymph nodes +ve. Hormone & Her2+ve. Chemo fortnightly 8 cycles (4 AC, 4 TH), then radiation & hormone therapy

• Glenys

  

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  September 2, 2012 2:05:50 PM WATime

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  For some more hints and ideas on food & chemotherapy, look in the booklets posted in the 'Chemotherapy' section under 'Treatments'.
  
  Another booklet from the Cancer Council on Nutrition while having chemotherapy that may be useful is available at:
  http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/2009-09-16-nutrition-for-people-living-with-cancer-booklet.pdf
  and another fact sheet:
  http://www.cancersa.org.au/resource_library/3/16/Nutrition_people_having_cancer_treatment_May2007.pdf
  
  xxx

  The Click Breast Care Nurse