Alcohol

Hi again Lynelyn as with all these questions you should always check with your clinical team. There may well be circumstances that you may be directed not to have any alcohol.

I was having my 1st cycle of 5 days/nights chemo over New Year 2013/14. Being in the Highlands New Year is an important time so the night staff took in party food and drinks to take the bells in with.

So yes at midnight I was having a small very nice single malt to celebrate the passing of the year. I was connected to my chemo pump 24/7 so I did check with the team “Mike a small drink compared to the poison we are pumping into you is ok - but definitely not regularly and when you have something only one small drink”

Thanks 

I will add that I did only try one more drink a few weeks later and by then my taste had went out the window and ai was starting to have digestive challenges, then moved on to my SCT treatments so actually did not have another drink for about 2 years

Hi, 

so in my experience, I would have the chemo week - where I wouldn't drink because I felt nauseas and tired so alcohol wasn't appealing.

second week I had my white blood cell booster injection - again I was in pain, taste was off -so no alcohol.

However in my third week (week before next chemo) I usually felt pretty good and almost normal so I definitely drank. However I only drank white wine or champagne (no hard liquor)  and I would heavily spritzer my wine with soda water. I had less than I would have usually,  as I assumed I wouldn't be able to handle as much as I used to. I definitely learned that on one occasion. Not pleasant!

Anyway- I say do what makes you feel ok. Heavy drinking is not recommended (for obvious reasons) but you still have to live your life and have some fun. If a glass of something is what you feel like then go for it. We have very few days where we feel good and getting joy from a little tipple is cool. Just listen to your body and see how you feel.

Anyway that's just my opinion. 

Good luck with all your treatment! 

Thank you 

yes I haven’t had a drink for 3 weeks but felt ok this week so just fancied a glass of wine . I’m not into spirits anyway 

Hi Lynelyn,

Just like Klip I have tended to wait until week 3 - you’re feeling more “normal” and it’s a treat. I’ve found my taste has changed in that I’m enjoying the odd glass of red, although champagne woulde very welcome  

I have my mid treatment scan tomorrow and it’s my birthday on Wednesday. We’re booked in to our local French restaurant (early sitting and have asked for a quiet table) and I shall be celebrating, even though I don’t get the results until the 24th. 

Do hope your treatment goes well

Gill x

Hi Gill 

thanks good advice. It was what I was doing anyway but my husband and daughter felt I shouldn’t have a drink at all so just wanted some clarification. Do have a lovely birthday and hope your results are good . I’m due to have my 2nd cycle on Tuesday 

Thankyou! Hope Tuesday goes well - with any luck will be quicker this time as they can speed you up on the Rituximab.

Like others have said an odd drink on week three if that's what you fancy is not much in the big picture.

I didn't drink much but munched my way through loads and loads of ice lolly's. While you are told to keep to a healthy diet but  if getting enough  calories in is difficult  some "junk food" is not going to make much difference. Maintaining weight can be a challenge during treatment.

Hi 

Thankyou . My 1st cycle was spread over 2 days. So will be quicker this time