Hi there, I was diagnosed on Tuesday and the doctor and BCN were very optimistic, it’s small, it’s early and it’s treatable even though there are some cancer cells in my lymph nodes. So every reason to be optimistic. But since my biopsy 3 weeks ago I’ve lost my appetite, when I do want to eat I can’t seem to tolerate too much. My stomach wants the food out and I wish I hadn’t eaten anything. I’ve lost 2kgs already as I’m usually a big eater - has anyone else had this? Will it settle as I begin to get my head around this all? I’m presuming anxiety as I’m struggling a little with it all. I’ve tried not eating for 24hrs in case it’s a bug, but not really sure what else to do. Thank you xx
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Hi @sunshine-smile
It sounds very much like anxiety to me. I’ve suffered with it for over 20 years. Mine was following the birth of my first child. I found I would want to try and eat and my belly was asking for food but it wouldn’t physically go down. It was like my throat was blocked or something. It was something totally new to me as I was always outgoing and bubbly. Just take each day as it comes it does get easier I promise x x
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Hi @sunshine-smile.
I know exactly how you feel. Since my diagnosis nearly a month ago I’ve lost 5 kilos!!! I force myself to eat to try and keep my self nourished but it is such an effort. I seem to have a knot in my stomach 24/7 , also my heart palpitations are going up to a 100 at times. I think it’s definitely anxiety. Like you I hope it will settle or I’ll be loosing another 5 kilos!!!
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Have you spoken to your gp and see if they can prescribe you something, or drink things like complan while you can’t eat to get the vitamins in just temporarily, I was advised this by my dr when I had anxiety and lost a stone in a week
Take care, it will get easier over timexx
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Hi @sunshine-smile
You’re so newly diagnosed so anxiety is completely understandable!
From the moment I had my biopsy up until I started chemo I couldn’t eat at all, but once I started that treatment and could let things go a bit more easily, my appetite soon picked up. If you are worried then please speak to your GP, or ask the Breast Cancer Now nurses if you’d like to speak to someone quickly.
Wishing you all the best 
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It definitely sounds like anxiety - I have had this experience a few times during my life and at one point I lost 10 pounds in one week and had an awful case of irritable bowel that time as well. My GP put me on beta - blockers which did work though they sent me a bit too far the other way if I’m honest . However in retrospect taking them at night would have been good as I was also having trouble sleeping.
It will get easier for you - try to eat a little of something that you fancy and don’t beat yourself up if you can’t face proper meals. I have found food and drink containing ginger has helped me with nausea and loss of appetite from multiple different causes . If it doesn’t settle or you are feeling weak then contact your GP .sending love xx
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Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I think I’ll try the little and often route for today and see if that helps. First time this morning I felt nausea too so pretty sure my body is crying out for nourishment! I have a telephone call with the GP next week so will mention it then as well xx
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It is definitely anxiety which is not at all surprising in your current situation. When I get anxious, I feel sick & don’t want to eat. I have to make a big effort & plenty of deep breathing does help.
I use Headspace App which helps calm me down.
Be kind to yourself - easy to say but you will come through this.
hope all goes well for you x
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Hi sunshine,
I was also diagnosed Tuesday and now cannot seem to eat much at all, I’m trying, as I know not eating is not going to help me but it’s hard, it’s like my stomachs has suddenly shrunk, I think maybe it’s because I’m so tense and anxious. I hope we get back more of an appetite soon.
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Yes try little bits and build up. It can be a vicious cycle where not eating makes you feel sick. I know my appetite is tied to emotions, as it is for many. Luckily I’m not an anxious person, but on the odd occasion I’m anxious or upset, usually for good reason, I can’t eat.
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Hi there,
This happened to me too until my first surgery, then I hit an acceptance phase and my appetite came back. I’m now on my 4th surgery and lack of appetite seems to come back each time I hear new or unexpected news. I have much to be grateful for, but the diagnosis hits many parts of life and is pretty overwhelming. Hope yours resolves soon.
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Anxiety. Self-care pranayama has helped me. I felt the same. At this point with you describing it as small and early and treatable, it’s most likely your mind/body connection. This is real and you are suffering. But you can help yourself with meditation, positive affirmations, breathing techniques, yoga, walking, refocused energies. Good luck.
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I had the same a few days after my lumpectomy I tried the starvation the BRAT diet my body didn’t want anything finally and when it did took another week before it released any food from my body. I have IBS and since being diagnosed withe TNBC I have also been diagnosed with diverticulitis. I think all the tests procedures we have to endure and the waiting in-between for results it’s no wonder we get anxiety. Its good we have groups like these and I suppose all our journeys are different but we can learn from each other
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