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Appetite during chemotherapy

Sunflower65
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Hi I had my first cycle of EC last Wednesday, at first I felt ok but during the night and day after felt sick, had the runs and felt like I was going to pass out at times. I have felt better as the days Pensiveve gone on but my appetite is low, I have to force myself to eat at least something, I will make a meal and very rarely finish it as can’t face it. Couldn’t even eat some Greek yogurt with fruit asPensivehat made me feel sick. Will it be like this all throughout the treatment? I need some energy but with not eating properly I don’t have any Pensive Please any advice. Thanks Sue 

  • Dear Sunflower65, 

     

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our Online Community. I’m Alison, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists who work on the support line here at Macmillan. 

    I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with nausea following your treatment. It’s understandable you’ve lost your appetite and are worried about not getting enough nutrition. 

    Firstly, do contact your treatment team or chemotherapy helpline to let them know you’re experiencing these side effects. They may be able to prescribe you some additional anti-sickness medications. 

    It’s not unusual for your appetite and tastes to change during treatment. Eating little and often can help, and making sure you’re eating high energy and high protein foods can mean you don’t need to eat lots to ensure you’re getting enough nutrition. Here are some recipes that may help. 

    Don’t feel as though you need to struggle on though, ask your doctor if you can see a dietitian, or ask about nutritional supplements. 

    If you’d like to talk through your concerns in more detail and be able to ask questions, please don’t hesitate to call our support line where you can speak with one of our nurses. 

    It might help to talk through your concerns in more detail and be able to ask questions, so please don’t hesitate to call our support line where you can speak with one of our nurses. 

    Take care, 

      

    Alison,  

    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 send us an email.  

    Ref/APJD 

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