Hello all,
Have just got through the first week of my first cycle of FolFox, and I've noticed my tastebuds are struggling, poor things!
Most foods leave me with a salty taste, my usual cuppa makes me feel queasy, tried switching to coffee but I think it's the milk as that's now having a similar effect. Water at room temperature (due to the Oxaliplatin) mixed with or without cordial in varying strengths tastes musty, cheese makes me feel nauseous (this is devastating!).......and I'm constantly hungry, even when I've just eaten!!
Was given steriods once on infusion day but none after that and I've only taken Ondansetron on days 1 & 2.
Does anyone have any similar experience of this and/or can offer any suggestions to help me please?
Many thanks
My son has had bowel cancer he has a stoma and is living with us at minute as he can't climb the stairs at his house
It is really difficult finding things he likes to eat he will ask for things he used to love only to find out he doesn't like it anymore
He has lost 5 stone his appetite is gradually coming back so hopefully he will get back to normal and so will you give it time you can't rush things
My tastes changed completely on Folfox. It was hard to eat because everything tasted strange and I had to stick to room temperature foods because of the Oxaliplatin.
Keep trying different foods. I found that bland foods were the best for me: rice, toast, ramen noodles, saltine crackers. I avoided sweet, spicy, etc. I couldn't face cheese either. I was able to eat gravy on my rice and plain meats and chicken. Food will bore you but you just have to get through. Your tastes will eventually return to normal.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007