Hello,
When starting chemo I was told by my chemo nurses to avoid certain foods like sushi and seafood. I am almost done with chemo but will continue with immunotherapy (Pembro) for a bit afterwards. When can I start eating like normal again? Will continuing immunotherapy affect when I can start eating sushi and seafood again?
DearVilo
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am pleased to hear you are nearly completing your chemotherapy treatment and are about to start Pembrolizumab, I hope you are feeling well.
A common side effect of chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments can be to reduce the body’s resistance to fight infections. It is therefore important to take care with the foods you eat to minimise the risk of developing a food related infection. This information on food safety when your immunity is low advises against eating raw fish such as sushi.
Here at Macmillan, we provide generalised cancer information and emotional support. We are separate from all healthcare services and can’t access patient records. We would recommend that you ask your doctor or chemotherapy nurse for guidance and support on making diet choices specific to you.
We appreciate eating foods you enjoy is important. The Penny Brohn charity have some great evidence based advice about nutrition and host an online nutrition cafe, which you may find helpful.
I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.
Best wishes
Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref RH/GG
