May 2023 Chemo Starters

A lot of what I know came from my own research, but caution required as to reliability of sources! As well as grapefruit, I read that Seville oranges and anything made from them (eg marmalade) may not be advisable either. All depends on what drugs you are on. Google "foods to avoid when on chemo" and select a reliable website (Cancer Research UK, NHS, etc) but always best to check with your own oncologist/nurse.

It's a minefield. I've heard chemo diet described as similar to pregnancy diet hence avoiding the cheeses. It's a real shame as I adore cheese and I eat steak rare. 

That’s what I was thinking seems very similar to pregnancy advice, that had all sorts of differing advice too!

Hi Amy,  I am of the understanding that live youghurst, and anything 'fermented' is good for gut health.  The chemo apparently kills all good gut bacteria, so replacing the good bacteria with live and fermented stuff helps withthe heartburn and nausia, and helps to replace what the chemo has killed off.  But youhave to make your own informed decision about what you eat and drink.  B xx

Also one thing I would definitely advise, stay off the alcohol.  Whatever your tipple just don't.  I ration my tea and coffee intake, and just drink water - sparkling or soda water.  Boring I know but to knowingly put another poison into my body when all that awful chemo is floating about just seems really silly to me, anyway.  But, we all have to make our own choices.  Hope all goes well for those with chemo this week.  Bx

Bloods done, now waiting in the calm haven at Maggie’s until I have to go for my chemotherapy later. Hope everyone has as good a week as possible. Xx

Hello, I think this is my first post here, although I joined the group when the thread appeared a while ago, I’ve been on another of those unexpected rollercoasters that BC keeps on delivering, and haven’t managed to post and say hello! I hope you’re all doing ok..  I was supposed to have my first chemo session today, but due to sudden need for massive amounts of dental treatment it’s been postponed until May 23rd. Today feels quite strange, I’m kind of relieved not to be going through it, but then really very concerned about yet more delays in having treatment. I was diagnosed in Oct, 22. Operations in Jan and March.. (2 months ago!) So now focussing on healing from dental extractions, and bolstering my physical and mental wellbeing in the next few weeks.. Wishing everyone all the best on their treatment journey  and thanks for sharing, it’s so helpful to read about your experiences. 

Hi. I've asked the Macmillan nurses about live yoghurts etc and this is the reply I got : 

As probiotics are living micro-organisms, it is generally recommended that these should be avoided while going through chemotherapy. You will find his listed in our Healthy Eating and Cancer booklet on page 47. Live yogurts and Kefir contain large amounts of these probiotics.

Probiotic foods and supplements contain healthy bacteria that can help with gut health. There’s conflicting advice regarding probiotics during cancer treatment. Some studies suggest probiotics could help prevent and reduce diarrhoea and other side-effects caused by chemotherapy. However, you may be advised to avoid concentrated probiotics, for example in capsules or in bio-yoghurts such as live yogurts and Kefir if your immunity is low during your treatment, as their safety in this situation hasn’t been checked.

As with taking any supplements it is always best to speak to your own healthcare teams for individualised advice.

Hope all goes ok for you. X

I am trying to stay positive!

Has my second oncologist appointment today, and trying not to be too scared or bamboozled by the potential side effects. I know they need to point them out but feeling more apprehensive than I was.

I have my first oncologist appointment on Thursday so I'm hoping to hear my plan of action. How long does it take ftom 1st appointment to starting chemo? I've had surgery first do like to think  MDT already discussed plan.