Chemo Ninja Cancer Assassin: Getting Through Chemo.

HeyNiceSweater · 2015-02-03T15:44:58+00:00

My advice is to eat whatever tastes good and not question your patterns of consumption. I went through chemotherapy for 6 months, had terrible problems with nausea, and went through stages where I ate only one thing for two weeks. I lost weight and needed to get calories any way I could. Coleslaw, cheesecake and milk were my favorites, BTW.

rcowie · 2015-02-03T12:28:45+00:00

I never had any problems keeping food, my issues was having the desire to eat at all. Everything it seemed tasted like metal to me, and this ended up being very depressing. I lost a ton of weight. In the end the only thing I could eat and enjoy were McChicken sandwiches and orange soda, both conveniently available at the same location. 10 plus years on and I can finally eat a McChicken again, but to this day I don't think I've had an orange soda since chemo.

nachoqueen · 2015-02-03T13:21:36+00:00

I was able to eat cheese* without any problem, and never lost my taste for it. I did eat a lot of breakfast for 5 months...soft cereal, eggs, bread, stuff we eat on an empty stomach. Tomato based sauces, ketchup, BBQ sauce, etc. irritated my mouth so they were out.

I only had to take one anti-nausea pill, and that was a pre-emptive strike advised by oncology staff.

*not blue cheese

SuB2007 · 2015-02-03T15:02:11+00:00

I have been very fortunate so far...the anti-nausea meds have kept my nausea in check to where I CAN eat anything. The desire to eat/drink, however, is a bit lacking. I have found that my go-to beverage is milk, and my go-to foods are canned fruit and Chef Boyardee ravioli. Sweets are (mostly) out, and anything that is acidic is a plus.

Gordogarbo · 2015-02-03T16:06:51+00:00

I just posted about it right below this but for me, "ScandiShake" has been amazing the last week. It's 580 calories per 8oz shake mixed with whole milk and amazingly, it tastes pretty good. It's allowing me to get enough calories to maintain my wait without TPN. Which makes me very happy, definitely worth sharing. You can find it for sale online. That has been the best one for me so far..

Luke_Emiya · 2015-02-04T05:08:37+00:00

I have insecurities about being considered "disabled" or not being able to do what I was able to do before - physically and mentally.

We've all probably heard of chemobrain - which I do think is true. But I don't want to consider my mind as weaker than before cancer. I want to be able to do be the professional I was before, and be able to learn what I need to learn.

In motivating myself to get past this mental hurdle (Because this one is pretty much all mental) - I focused on getting my health back (relatively speaking). When the chemo was at its worst - the least I could do was go for a walk. Eventually I started running.

I'm still going through maintenance chemotherapy - so only one round of chemo a month for 11 more months. I don't even know how many rounds I've had ... but I only have 11 more to go.

As far as food - i ate what was ever appetizing. I got high a lot too to help with the nausea and sleep problems. That worked really well and it felt better than just taking zofran/benadryl/ambien/ativan.

So yea - if I feel after a bad chemo session, i can push through a tough work out... I think I could get through most things. I don't want to use cancer as an excuse for my insecurities or weaknesses. Beating it should be a source of strength.

Josh3781 · 2015-02-03T18:12:51+00:00

Lemonheads and Warheads to rid myself of the metallic taste, also Ginger snaps although with my jaw they were too hard so I'd just dunk them in lowfat or 2% milk whole milk upset my stomach too much.

tomlabaff · 2015-02-03T18:22:18+00:00

Tropical Smoothies (the peanut butter one) Chinese stir fry (lo mein) Nothing from the hospital cafeteria. Uno's deep dish. Have a loved one go get it for you. Good luck my friend. It will pass. If things get real bad, ask doc for Marinol. That might give you the munchies.

Acidsparx · 2015-02-03T18:48:59+00:00

I had some trouble with foods. Didn't find many things appetizing so I just ate what I liked. I also had an Ensure a day to make sure I was getting my nutrients.

MrsClaypool · 2015-02-03T19:33:26+00:00

On round 5/6 of Chemo and my appetite has been pretty good. I think a combination of steroids, keeping on top of any nausea with anti emetics and regular use of weed to stimulate eating. Before diagnosis I lost 26lbs but have maintained weight the past 2 1/2 months. I eat whatever I want at whatever time eg if I want pizza for breakfast I will have it, and I also read a lot of recipes eg on Pinterest and watch cooking shows to get interested in a variety of food. Works for me.

Cheese78902 · 2015-02-03T21:24:05+00:00

I found a nice hot bath really helped with the aching. I also found that Gatorade helped a lot. I used Marinol and a chilled bong ( weed was the only anti-nausea medication that would work that kept me from feeling like i was going to puke very second of the day). If you do use weed please use a chilled bong/filtration or a vape. The heat can mess with your lungs and your throat

Tiad7titnu · 2015-02-03T21:45:19+00:00

I only have issues throwing up while the chemo is going. I am on a 5 day R-EPOCH.

I have found the most favorable of snacks is pickles and fritos. Together. So yummy.

I have issues with not wanting to eat so I have lost weight.

akornblatt · 2015-02-03T23:07:57+00:00

My father is apparently on zofran and eimend (sp?) and hasn't really had any nausea after three infusions of cisplatinum.

FYI - small cell prostate

livingflying · 2015-02-04T05:11:27+00:00

Zofran and Compazine. Power Ade Zero. Pretty much keto diet but with a few more carbs than usual.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Getting Through Chemo.

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