Chemo lack of appetite/ plus the nausea etc

Exwil 11 months ago

3 replies
183 subscribers
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Hi All

Just after some advice. On Xelox chemotherapy ( oxiplatin/capcitabine) for stage 3 rectal cancer. Due third round on Monday. I am really struggling with lack of appetite and when I do eat the diarrhea and nausea / vomiting. I’ve tried to control with Loperamide and Metoclopramide but still hit and miss. I am trying to force myself to eat and have lost a stone in weight through first two cycles. Any tips for improving appetite. I’m trying to remain positive but is getting me down and having a particularly low day today , I’ve managed two crumpets and while day in sofa ( giving myself permission to feel lousy ).

Star74 11 months ago

Hi Exwil ,

Dont suffer, speak to your team. I was on the standard anti sickness and topped up with metoclopramide but the nausea was awful, so bad that I took to my bed. They have now given me a stronger anti sickness called netupitant, just one pill an hour before chemo and that lasts for 5-7 days and it's been a game changer, food still tastes horrible but at least I can manage to eat and drink! I can also top up with metoclopramide and I wear the travel sickness wrist bands too.

As for the diarrhoea, marshmallows and jelly babies are supposed to be good. Just make sure you keep hydrated, the dehydration sachets are good. I also try to have a protein shake every day.

Hope it gets better for you

Michelle

Exwil 11 months ago in reply to Star74

Thanks Michelle. Will try the marshmallow and jelly babies. Hoping for a better day today.. Liz x

Kareno62 11 months ago

Hi Exwil As Michelle says please don’t suffer in silence. They tend to start you on the ‘cheapest’ antisickness and trying a different one can make all the difference - Emend is supposed to be very good. Also a slight reduction in dosage can help too so speak to the nurses/oncologist.

Take care

Karen x

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