Hello and thank you for your post,

I am sorry to hear about this lady's situation. 

Having chemotherapy can make people unwell and this can make them not want to eat much.  Nausea and vomiting can sometimes be a problem and not well controlled so one thing is to be aware off if this is happening. If it is then she or you (if you have permission) should contact the chemotherapy team (on the number she has been given) to ask if her anti-sickness treatment can be reviewed.

Some people also get some taste changes for example a metallic taste. This can affect how drink and food tastes. Some people find taking a cold , fizzy (open the can or bottle for a while to get rid of some of the fizz, if it is needed)  can help. Drinking something like a ginger beer or ginger ale could help. 

Also I would look to see if her mouth is sore. This can happen and she may have been prescribed mouth washes to help keep her mouth clean. This reduces the risk of infection.  If she has a sore mouth this can make eating and drinking painful.  If this is happening she should let her chemotherapy team know as she might need treatment and painkillers.

Fatigue, that many people experience with cancer and its treatments can affect the desire to get up and prepare food and/or even to eat it.  

Unfortunately many people do lose some weight while undergoing cancer treatment. I think when someone is finding it difficult to eat that they should eat little and often as this is more likely to be more appetising and achievable than 3 big meals. There is no special diet to follow, unless her medical team have asked her to follow one. However, she should try to avoid food that could put her at risk of infection such as raw meat and fish, and possibly live yogurts (eat pasteurised ones). Her chemotherapy team will given her advice about what foods to avoid. 

Trying to increase calories intake might be important for her. I would not be too worried if at this time she does want to eat much fruit and vegetables. You can worry about this after she has finished the treatment.  Also remember that foods high in protein can be beneficial to people that are unwell. We have some useful information about diet when someone has cancer, I think it gives good practical advice on what to do. It also lists the types of high calorie drinks available.  You can see all this information here 

I hope this 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.

Take care,

Caroline

Going through chemo and eating is a very big challenge ( well it was for me) The only advice is to try samples of everything , I know nutrition is important but it's vital that she gets calories in. 
 

Her taste buds are likely to be shot too. I will give you a list of the food stuffs I could manage during my chemo...but of course what works for one may not work for another..

Cheesey mash potatoes 

salt/vinegar crisps 

cheese/onion crisps 

cheese/onion pastry

arrowroot biscuits 

plain ice cream

jelly pots

This was basically my diet throughout chemo and a little beyond, it's very much trial and error I'm afraid. If you speak to the chemo unit they can provide special sachets .....I wish you the best of luck ️