Anyone use cannabis for nausea, pain and loss of appetite?

@djchambers, I'm tagging fellow members like @franciekid @lisag03 @jmb73 @cjay who shared their use of cannabis to help with the side effects of cancer treatment in this related discussion:
- Has anyone tried cannabis to help with chemo nausea? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cannabis

They can offer more of their experiences.

Many cancer centers offer guidance on the proper use of medical cannabis to help with cancer symptoms as part of their integrative medicine programs. Mayo Clinic is running a study on its use at the moment:
- Assessing Benefits And Harms Of Cannabis/Cannabinoid Use Among Cancer Patients Treated In Community Oncology Clinics https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/cls-20589454

@djchambers, you were wise to discuss with your oncologist since cannabis is contraindicated with some treatments, like immunotherapy.

I did my first cycle of oxiliplatin followed by three weeks of capcetabine. I was extremely nauseated and lacked appetite. I live in a state where marijuana can be purchased legally with or without a medical card. A friend who had gone through chemo brought me some edibles to try and help with the nausea. I was already taking zofran and using a strong IV anti nausea before infusions.
The marijuana definitely helped with the nausea. I was able to at least get out of bed, and was able to start eating a small amount of food. At that time, I was almost two months post op, so didn’t have a ton of pain, but I did experience first bite pain and pain when drinking. I can’t say it helped with pain control, but I did get relief from the nausea, and also just relief mentally.

@colleenyoung I never used cannabis for my cancer treatments.

@djchambers I have a prescription for Zofran for nausea, but haven't had to use it very often. That being said, I do deal with diminished appetite/no appetite and various pains. My oncologist gave me a short Rx for oxycodone, but I am leery of using it. I do however, have both a tincture and some edibles plus leaf to use if needed. My medication list actually has this on it, as I want to be very transparent with my medical team. As I tell them, this is not a regular addition to my laundry list of things I need to take, but it is there as a fall-back if needed. It seems that just knowing I have it available helps me.
Ginger

Both my oncologist and my family doctor brought this up to me. They said if I had difficulty with appetite I could try cannabis gummies. So I went to dispensary and asked about them about gummies. They were very helpful explaining what to try for appetite. They actually gave me 2 different kinds of gummies to try to see which ones would help. So for me they helped tremendously. Gave me and appetite without being high. Definitely ask your doctors especially to see if your treatments would interact with trying cannabis. Best of luck Scott

As I recovered from rad treatments for anal cancer I used THC edibles to distract from the 3 hour sting.
Quite good.

My Oncologist prescribed "Zofran" (Ondansatron 4 mg)
that you place under your tongue for it to melt away. I am surprised your Oncologist didn't prescribe this medication. This medication is prescribed for severe nausea and vomitting.

For pain:
Morphine 30mg extended dose, Morphine 2 mg for immediate release to curb pain.
Then he decided to get rid of Morphine after 4 yrs and put me on Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)
Oxy contin 4 mg as needed along w Tylenol 500 mg.

I tried Marijuana and it didn't work. If you good insurance coverage, go to Palliative care for Cancer patients, as their role is to help patients w pain. They work in a team. Home Healthcare and Hospice also help.
Good luck to you.
I will pray for you.
Hang in there!
W regards,
VJ

Many people have a general bias against THC, marijuana, call it what you want. I never used hydromorphone that they prescribed because it is known to lead to constipation. I was on enough other things, a mouthwash to counter sores from the chemo, blood thinners, and tylenol.
I would much rather use THC related meds, I have seen too many people get attached to opioids and it ruined their lives.

Opioid addiction is very real. But, w Cancer it doesn't happen my oncologist says. Only those who abuse Dialysis and other meds like Oxycodone/Oxy contain
etc by none cancer people who are.otherwise healthy
can lead to dependence.
I could be wrong here.Correct me,if I am wrong please.
VJ

I am dealing with colorectal cancer and a cannabis user anyway. I was also given an access to oxycodone which I used some, but it does slow down your intestines, but it did help me sleep when I was in severe pain during radiation. Now I’m on chemo heavy and it doesn’t stop pain but if you like the effect of cannabis, if it calms you- good! Use it. Some people don’t react well to it and some people do. It’s just another tool in the tool kit nothing sinful about it.
Before being diagnosed, I lived in New Mexico and grew some pot in my backyard. I still have it and I’ve made some oil with coconut oil in a crockpot. I have tried Gummies. I will occasionally consume an edible but generally, I prefer the old-fashioned way I just rolling up a joint. It seems to be the easiest way to control how much you ingest and it is certainly a different effect than consuming cannabis edibles are much more long lasting I find and hard to control dosage. This is just my personal experience good luck, everyone!