Hello MummyCh and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear that you are going to have chemo.

We do have some general advice on trying to eat healthily before during and after chemotherapy. If you are eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables then you should not need to take any supplements. Trying to increase your fluid intake is important so your kidneys are working well and any drugs that you are given are flushed through once you start the chemo.

Once you start treatment you need to continue to eat well but you may find that food does not taste the same. It is a question of finding out what foods work best whilst you are having treatment. You may find it better to have small frequent meals rather then a larger meal. Trying to avoid fatty food. Some patients complain of a metallic taste in the mouth. This should go once treatment has stopped. 

You will be given anti sickness drugs but if these are not enough it is important to ask for more at your next appointment. Sometimes it can help to keep a diary to record how you feel each day.

A lot will depend on the type of drugs that you have as the side effects will vary. Everyone also differs in how they cope with chemotherapy but it is important to feed back to your team before your next course of chemotherapy. You should be seen the day before your next course where you will have a blood test and hopefully you will have a chance to feed back about the chemotherapy that you have had.

If there are certain foods that you need to avoid then I am sure they will tell you as they may be specific to the drugs that you are taking. If you do want to take any supplements then it is always best to check with your oncology team to check that there is no possible interaction. 

You may find that your bowels don't work so well. Some of the drugs cause diarrhoea and some of the anti sickness cause constipation so do be aware that this may happen and you may have to adjust your diet if this is happening.

You can see our information on diet and treatment

I hope this is helpful. If you would like to ring and discuss any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the nurses are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine