Appetite

I finished chemotherapy about a month ago , i now notice that i have lost my appetite i eat very little but i can drink the flavoured milk drinks or fruit drinks , its not that i don’t want to eat its just that when i start eating i can only eat a couple of mouth fulls , is this normal ? And how long before my appetite comes back , everything seems to taste bad , it hasn’t always been like this i was eating normal then it just happened, any advice?? 
thank you 

  • I have stoma and it was bowel cancer , sorry I forgot to put that 

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    It can take some time for the effects of chemotherapy drugs to subside.

    Try and have regular small meals rather than a big plate, and aim to snack, as this is easier to cope with. Trying small puddings, soups, or cheese and crackers, can be ways of eating that isn't off putting. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend any particular supplement, as there isn't strong scientific evidence to suggest that any specific one would help significantly in this case. Sometimes prescribed medications, such as very low dose steroids, can help stimulate appetite. Using anti sickness medications might also help.

    We have some information here that may help, about tips for loss of appetite that may be useful

    I hope this reply helps, 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Yours sincerely,

    Vanda