I can't speak to the shingles dilemma. I had shingles as a teenager, way back when, but haven't since, even during chemo. I can speak to the dosage question, though. Which regimen is your husband on? I did eight rounds of Folfirinox, and cycles 9 and 10 were Folforinox without the oxaliplatin. For round 1, my MD originally was going to give me a dosage that was 100% of typical, until he realized my age (I am now 71) and reduced it to 80%. He said the reason was because the original, full dose was tested on people much younger than me. Good thing he cut it back--even at 80%, it was a rough cycle. I was still sick two weeks later when I went back for cycle no. 2, with nausea and diarrhea for nearly the entire cycle. For cycle no. 2, the MD reduced my dosage level to 60% of typical, and it's been there ever since. I have gradually adapted and gotten stronger with each cycle, and my appetite has definitely improved. All of this is to say that it's OK to ask your MD about a reduced dose; it may not be the answer to your husband's issues, but it's worth inquiring.

Appetite, nutrition and hydration can be tricky. I decided calories were the primary goal and allowed myself to eat whatever sounded good at the time. I went on food jags (the same thing for lunch day after day, for example), and I tended toward starchy and sweet foods. I also drove my poor husband bonkers as he tried to keep up with getting me things that sounded good at the time. This has also improved as my strength has improved. I am back to eating more fruits and veggies, and my food cravings are somewhat more logical. Hydration can be difficult on chemo, because it dehydrates you. Also, I prefer ice-cold water, and that's tough to drink when the oxali-related cold neuropathy hits. I have a standing order from my MD for fluids at any time I request, and the nurses always ask when I come for chemo, when I return to remove the FU pump, and when I come for my Udenyca injection. In recent months, I haven't needed the fluids, but I appreciate having them available. You might want to ask your MD about that as well. Your husband can always decline them if he doesn't need them.