I had this combo and a few things that stand out. Be careful of the anti-nausea drugs. If you overdo, the constipation can be horrific. Do not take them until you start to feel queasy. I learned this the hard way. Drink A LOT of fluids. Flushes the drugs. There are many other drugs in those bags besides the chemo. Things like Claritin and Zofran (for allergic reactions, nausea) which will you get you through the first two days. I personally took the anti-nausea only on day 3 and part of day four and not at all with the Taxol. However, keep in mind that
a) everyone is different and b) different doctors will use different supplemental drugs, so your experience could differ. Communicate with your infusion nurse, your oncology nurse, and your oncologist.
I forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
I had lost a lot of weight after the diagnosis and surgery, so no, no fasting or dieting. I ate what I wanted. My daughter, who is very health and diet conscious, suggested an organic, plant based diet which I do to this day (especially for milk, because 1% milk is my favorite beverage). Here's something else, after the chemo, I would get like this lump in my throat. It would go away, and I felt better after eating! (pretty antithetical). Even on the organ bench, I'd have a bunch of grapes and saltines at the ready. That sensation lasted during the whole chemo time. I didn't play with supplements--too afraid it would disrupt the chemo. Your doctor will let you know if you need anything in that regard. They served lunch in the chemo room. Who would think you'd look forward to that? but I did! Looking back eating was my best ally. There are all kinds of cookbooks for this period of time.
That's so good to hear. I know everybody is different, but it's nice to hear a story about someone who was able to enjoy food during chemo. Everything I've been told so far is that nausea, vomiting, and food aversion are the norm.
I forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
I will be thinking about you, @dmosssadler . Best of luck!
💐🫂💐
I forgot to mention - I read studies about chemo nausea and fasting and implemented a fasting plan for chemo days that I believe really helped for the nausea. The studies also proposed that it would help the medicine work better, and protect your cells, since your regular cells would be in a resting state due to the fast but the cancer cells won't.
May I ask what your fasting plan entailed? I am interested in giving that. I've read recommendations for 12-hour fasts before chemo up to 60-hour pre-chemo fasts.
May I ask what your fasting plan entailed? I am interested in giving that. I've read recommendations for 12-hour fasts before chemo up to 60-hour pre-chemo fasts.
Of course! The one I tried was from Mayo or Harvard Med (I have a new phone and can't find the exact study) and was supposed to be about 24 hours before chemo, eating after.
Since my chemo was at 10 I technically could have breakfast but I was way less hungry if I skipped it so I ended up doing a 36 hour fast or so. So for a Tuesday infusion I ate dinner Sunday night and then didn't eat Monday, breaking the fast after chemo.
I was about 60 pounds heavier than I am now, so maybe that helped me. I also didn't stay on top of my constipation medicine at first and that was a big mistake. But overall the fasting was about the easiest thing I did, and I didn't get too nauseous.
I also tried to have at least 13 hours between dinner and breakfast, which I still do.
May I ask what your fasting plan entailed? I am interested in giving that. I've read recommendations for 12-hour fasts before chemo up to 60-hour pre-chemo fasts.
You should not be fasting during chemo. That is against every protocol I've read. There are very effective drugs for nausea. Take the advice of your oncologist or your infusion nurses. I had 16 infusion treatments with these drugs and never once had more than mild queasiness that dissipated with the meds. Best advice? Talk to your infusion nurses. They have a wealth of knowledge and advice ready to be tapped.
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I saw this thread pop up and remembered you had your first chemo a few days ago.
How are you doing after treatment #1?
You are welcome, @dmosssadler , bless you too!
I had this combo and a few things that stand out. Be careful of the anti-nausea drugs. If you overdo, the constipation can be horrific. Do not take them until you start to feel queasy. I learned this the hard way. Drink A LOT of fluids. Flushes the drugs. There are many other drugs in those bags besides the chemo. Things like Claritin and Zofran (for allergic reactions, nausea) which will you get you through the first two days. I personally took the anti-nausea only on day 3 and part of day four and not at all with the Taxol. However, keep in mind that
a) everyone is different and b) different doctors will use different supplemental drugs, so your experience could differ. Communicate with your infusion nurse, your oncology nurse, and your oncologist.
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Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI forgot something when responding to the question of any special diets, supplements, etc. during chemo. Here's something: I don't drink alcohol. Ever. This was easy for me as I would have an occasional glass of wine with dinner but nothing beyond that. Think of it this way: all organs of the body need to prepare for the fight. The liver will always seek to metabolize alcohol first, thus giving it added work to do. Some friends of mine have come to realize that certain anti-depressants are suspected to interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs as well. Just double check with your doctors on all this.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThat's so good to hear. I know everybody is different, but it's nice to hear a story about someone who was able to enjoy food during chemo. Everything I've been told so far is that nausea, vomiting, and food aversion are the norm.
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Hug
1 ReactionI don't drink alcohol either, but I do take sertraline (generic for Zoloft). I'll have to ask my oncologist about any concerns. Thanks for that tip!
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1 ReactionMay I ask what your fasting plan entailed? I am interested in giving that. I've read recommendations for 12-hour fasts before chemo up to 60-hour pre-chemo fasts.
Of course! The one I tried was from Mayo or Harvard Med (I have a new phone and can't find the exact study) and was supposed to be about 24 hours before chemo, eating after.
Since my chemo was at 10 I technically could have breakfast but I was way less hungry if I skipped it so I ended up doing a 36 hour fast or so. So for a Tuesday infusion I ate dinner Sunday night and then didn't eat Monday, breaking the fast after chemo.
I was about 60 pounds heavier than I am now, so maybe that helped me. I also didn't stay on top of my constipation medicine at first and that was a big mistake. But overall the fasting was about the easiest thing I did, and I didn't get too nauseous.
I also tried to have at least 13 hours between dinner and breakfast, which I still do.
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Hug
2 ReactionsSearch Dr Valter Longo’s fasting protocol for chemo. My daughter used it and her immediate side effects were some nausea and fatigue
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1 ReactionYou should not be fasting during chemo. That is against every protocol I've read. There are very effective drugs for nausea. Take the advice of your oncologist or your infusion nurses. I had 16 infusion treatments with these drugs and never once had more than mild queasiness that dissipated with the meds. Best advice? Talk to your infusion nurses. They have a wealth of knowledge and advice ready to be tapped.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions