Chemo - not eating

Hi - it is not surprising you are not sleeping, it is a very worrying time. I found my appetite completely disappeared during chemo and everything tasted off, but I forced myself to eat three healthy meals a day which were high protein and veg to help my body and my bloods. Chemo is so harsh on your body that I felt it was the right thing to do to force myself to eat and drink (water tasted awful!). For the sleeping, that is only likely to get worse during chemo too. I think most people find chemo affects their sleep, and you have all the worry to contend with too. Now I'm through chemo and onto hormone treatment, I am finding I can get anxious at night and so I downloaded a meditation app to try. I have actually found it really useful so it might help you too. I also found it useful to remember that I was in the best hands, I had a tailored treatment plan, and everything possible was being done for me.

I found that my loss of appetite was at its worst while I was waiting for various different test results, one way of shifting those extra lockdown pounds I guess, but not to be recommended to anyone. I’ve not experienced any problems during chemo but have found that my tastes have changed - things that I previously enjoyed taste bland and I’m far too fond of sweet stuff now, trying to keep that to a whole array of fruit. 

Have you spoken to your doc or one of the nurses? They might be able to suggest some support. One of my friends is a dietician specialising in working with cancer patients and her role is to support patients who might be struggling with eating, or not getting the right nutrition. I haven’t spoken to her about me directly although the offer is there.

I’m in Buckinghamshire and found these links for Bucks PCT. I’d think the advice would be good for you although you could look and see what’s available in your area?

https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/Downloads/AA_COVID_19/COVID_19_Patient%20advice/COVID_19_Cancer/Eating%20well%20during%20cancer%20treatment%20May%202019.pdf

The one above probably doesn’t tell you anything new but maybe this one might give you some ideas?

https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/Downloads/AA_COVID_19/COVID_19_Patient%20advice/COVID_19_Cancer/Eating%20well%20with%20a%20small%20appetite%20April%202020%20V8.pdf

I have found that eating smaller amounts more frequently works for me. Hope you find something that works for you too xx