Being told I couldn’t eat some of my favorite foods like raw fish or bean sprouts for the duration of my chemotherapy was not the best news, but I knew the importance of following these specific guidelines as my immune system would be compromised during this time. 

That being said, it was important for me to get the basics down, as far as what I should be eating, so I met with a nutritionist that specifically works with cancer patients – she understood what chemo does to the body and provided me details and options to help keep me strong, like doubling up on my protein, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, drinking lots of water and bone broth.  I left my appointment with her feeling confident in knowing what to do next.

Although my oncologist had suggested to not completely change my diet, I felt I needed to make a few changes to try to be healthy as I could. I remember being really careful about what I ate right before and after my first treatment, not knowing how my body would react to the chemo.  Would I be nauseous? Would I have mouth sores? Would I be able to eat? I stuck to soft, bland foods, like bone broth, rice, oatmeal, breads, and slowly incorporated more proteins, vegetables and fruits.

As time passed and the chemo got more difficult, the discipline and drive I originally started with slowed.  I stayed away from the items on my ‘do not eat/drink this’ list but it was hard to keep up with my meal planning and nutrition on top the appointments, infusions, side effects, etc.  I craved comfort and familiarity. I reached for ice cream, pastries, burgers, fish tacos – foods that brought a little ounce of happiness during the hard times when I felt tired and weak.  

I remember my oncologist telling me about the possibility of gaining weight during my treatments, which I thought was odd at the time.  Images of an emaciated, hairless version of myself flashed in my mind. My reality was quite the opposite (except for the hairless part).  Most days I felt bloated and eventually noticed I gained a few pounds in the process. Yes.. it was probably the pints of ice cream or the fact that I was not as active as I once was.  Laying down for most of the day and walking to the kitchen to get something to eat isn’t much exercise. But it is something I’m working on… Since I’m a few days away from completing my last cycle (yay!), I’m making a better effort to cut down on my sugars and carbs and even started following along to beginners yoga on YouTube.  My end goal isn’t necessarily to be thin but to be healthy and feel less sluggish. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress. 🙂

***

I learned eating can be a struggle during chemo (I would eat and instantly feel exhausted).  Here are a few of my favorites snacks that helped me on days when I couldn’t eat complete meals:  

(brown rice cracker with peanut butter – I love peanut butter!)

(sliced watermelon – anything cold would help me feel better)

(avocado toast w/ everything but the bagel seasoning – avocado: California butter)

(boiled eggs – protein up!)

(Hawaiian papayas – so sweet and yummy; reminds me of home)