Food aversions following treatment

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1

Hello,

I was diagnosed last September and started chemotherapy in November. I had 4 does dense cycles of EC followed by 4 dose dense cycles of paclitaxel. During EC I felt incredibly nauseous for a lot of the time and it had a big impact on how food and drink tasted, as it does for many. I am a very fussy eater and tend to stick to very plain foods but the foods that I was willing/able to eat reduced a lot during this time but I did have a selection of ‘safe’ foods which I relied on as even the thought of most foods made me feel sick. I’ve since changed to paclitaxel and the way foods tasted have improved but my appetite is poor and food has lost all of its appeal/interest. I am trying hard to eat something at each meal even if this is different to what I’m making/cooking for the family or it’s less than I would normally eat. I finished chemotherapy last week and I am hoping that this will improve over time but I am concerned about my nutrition especially as I have two rounds of surgery that are imminent. I have already lost 12lbs and feel this is becoming an aversion to food and eating and meal times/cooking are stating to feel difficult/stressful. Any suggestions or advice please? Thank you in advance.

2

Hi bluedime82,

Thanks for posting. It sounds as though you are having a really difficult time at the moment. Hopefully now that you have completed your chemotherapy treatment your taste and appetite will improve over time. You may find our information about diet during treatment and diet after treatment helpful, and a video about managing side effects of treatment. You may also get some responses on the forum to your post about how other people coped.

If you haven’t already do speak to your treatment team about your concerns. They may be able to refer you to a dietician for advice and support on nutrition, including gaining weight. Your GP may also be able to help with this.

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone about how you are feeling, particularly as you are starting to feel stressed about eating and cooking. Again, your treatment team should be able to refer you for psychological support including talking therapies. Our information on coping with low mood includes tips and resources on getting help.

We also offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to help answer your questions, offer support and listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes,

Carolyn

Breast Care Nurse

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