Chemotherapy

[Helm]

I've had a lot of problems finding food and drink that are palatable throughout chemo. My advice is go with whatevever you feel you want, even if it's not things you usually eat. When I was on 3 treatments of FEC I ate more starchy food than normal - I just couldn't take the taste of anything other than very plain food.

I've also not been able to drink much plain (tap or bottled) water, or fruit juice which I usually drink a lot of diluted. But I've found that very cold sparkling bottled water goes down well most days - on my worst days even that doesn't always taste right. Now I'm on Docataxel I'm eating more of the foods I used to, but I really just play it by ear, week by week. Having soups, or things like rice pudding are handy is good for those days where you don't really feel like eating much. I've had terrible heartburn on Docatexel too - I've tried all the standard liquids and tablets, none worked, but surprisingly a friend recommended very cold drinks and pepsi - it worked! So I have ice cubes to hand in the fridge and put them in my sparkling water and pepse (I try to limit the pepsi though).

Yep, been there with the constipation. First treatment of Docataxel was the worst, with severe stomach cramps, which has  eased up over the last couple of treatments, but going to the toilet can be painful sometimes.  Senna tablets prescribed didn't help at all. Last time I ate a lot of peaches on day 1 of the treatment and I think the fruit helped. I couldn't manage any other fruit. But I couldn't get any at the shops this week, but got a stronger laxative (Laxido) prespribed at the chemo clinic and am waiting to see how that works. I've read that ensuring you have enough fibre is supposed to help (so bran flakes maybe if you are eating cereal and have that problem?)

It's really a case of trial and error sometimes. Just don't force yourself to eat something which you would have before treatment but just don't feel like eating now. Make sure you tell the nurses when you go for chemo about all these side effects, so that they can give you something if you need it.

It will get better, hang in there!

[Gizmos-mum]

I'm still trying to manage the constipation/ diarrhoea thing. remembering to take senna tablets on 1st/2nd day to get me going and prevent painful bottom. Also cream to apply. (there is no dignity in this is there). I'm craving strong flavours curry, spicy meatballs, cottage pie with brown sauce.  very similar to the nursery food idea but stronger flavours. Gone off tea and coffee, drinking fruit juices. I also like fruit, natural yoghurt and honey - don't know why.

Hope this helps abit

I'm on my 4th now so I may get it right by the end!!!

[Guest user]

Thank you Jane,

I've printed it out for safe keeping

Best wishes

Helen

[JaneyW]

Dear Redmouse. A problem for many of us. I've bumped up a thread from earlier this summer - Nursery/comfort food.

Good luck

Jane x

[Guest user]

Started chemotherapy last week, the first few days were fine until constipation and then diarrhoea set in, the last four days and nights have been dreadful but I'm feeling a bit better today. No appetite, cant stand hot drinks and eating mainly cereal. Need something to stimulate my appetite. Has anyone any ideas?  I'll be prepared for my next session so that it doesnt happen again