First time on chemo

Hi Charlgoods and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Over my 22 years of treatments I have had over 750hrs of chemo and the guidance I was given was no take away food as you can not guarantee how well it has been prepared as your reduced immune system may not fight a simple food bug that a normal immune system can.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/healthy-eating-and-cancer/food-safety-when-your-immunity-is-low

You don’t mention what type of cancer you have so do look through our list of Cancer specific groups, once you find your cancer type group as this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.

To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.

You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones). You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'. 

It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service can give lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

All the very best

Hi Charlgoods welcome to the forum. its not a daft question either.

Its not advised to eat these types of things from carry out places due to the possibility of contamination of the foods due to the high volume they use when you are on chemo as you are susceptible to infection. However, whats to stop you making up one of your own at home and including all the same goodies but at least you know its only you that has prepared this. I know its a lot more work but if thats what you are craving .

I noted that you hadnt said which type of Cancer it is that you have as that would help to direct you from New to the Community to the groups best suited for you to chat away in if that makes sense. So if you feel able to say that, we can then direct you to the relevant group  thread..

Thank you all, I had surgery in February for bowel cancer.

Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer

Hi Charlgoods, salad s great on chemo, nice and easy on your liver! But I agree with the other advice - make your own and wash it well! I made hummus and salad sandwiches and munched all the way through my treatments! It’s what suits you at the end of the day. Did six months of chemo and stayed pretty well throughout, it can totally be done! 

I’m on chemo for 6 months and have my second round next week but I’m really bad. I’m always feeling nauseous and so tired to the point that I’ve no energy at all. When feeling ill I like cold things like ice lollies but can’t have them due to the chemo so I’m finding that hard plus I keep craving the foods that’s I can’t have.

Ah that sounds hard - could you make yourself smoothies with say bananas, protein powder, other fruit and any kind of milk or even water if you’d prefer? It would give you a bit of energy and keep your bloods up? 

Hi Charlgoods

I'm on a similar journey. Only just started Chemo and craving takeaway and junk food. I put it down to years of recovering from hangovers as a younger man!

I'm not an unhealthy eater anymore, so lord knows where the cravings are coming from....

I've had significant taste changes within days so I'm starting some hunting for foods that suit my adjusted palate as my usual foods just dont feel as appetising. I may even try hummus and salad sandwiches suggested by Curlew74

Sorry I dont have a solution, but wanted to let you know you're in good company.

I had my second round of chemo on Friday and hate eating as everything taste different. Plus I’m always craving the foods I can’t have, I’ve even tried making take away foods myself but it’s just not the same. Good luck on ur chemo journey. 

Did you get reduced dose on Friday? I'm getting just Cisplatin next Friday and hoping it wont cumulatively affect my taste

I've found a new love for porridge...but so want a nice crunchy sandwich that tastes good.

Good luck to you...