When You Are Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment

The drugs are most commonly taken orally or given by injection into the bloodstream. Chemotherapy drugs can damage both healthy cells and cancerous cells. Cells most likely to be injured are bone marrow, hair and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth all the way to the rectum or anus. Side effects will depend on what kind of chemotherapy drugs you take and how you take them. The following are common side effects of chemotherapy that can interfere with your ability to eat:

• Loss of appetite
• Changes in taste and smell
• Mouth tenderness or sores
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits
• Fatigue
• Low white blood cell counts with the chance for infection
• Changes in weight (gain or loss)

Tell your doctor or nurse, if you are having side effects from chemotherapy. They may recommend medications, daily self-care practices and changes in diet to lessen eating-related side effects you are having. Eating well while receiving chemotherapy can help you to:

• Feel better
• Keep up your strength and energy
• Keep up your weight and your body's store of nutrients
• Tolerate treatment-related side effects
• Decrease your risk of infection
• Heal and recover quickly 

Nutrition Suggestions for People Receiving Chemotherapy:

Most people receive chemotherapy as an outpatient.

It may take anywhere from minutes to several hours.

• Plan ahead and bring a light meal or snack in a small cooler. Find out whether your facility has a refrigerator or microwave oven you can use.
• Make sure you eat something before receiving your treatment. Most people find that a light meal or snack before chemotherapy is well tolerated.
• You may be very tired while receiving chemotherapy. Fatigue (tiredness or lack of energy) is very common during chemotherapy. Unless you are given other instructions, eat a balanced diet that includes protein (meat, milk, eggs and legumes) to help boost your energy. Other suggestions to reduce fatigue are to prioritise your activities, doing the most important when you have the most energy, and to balance rest and activity so that it does not interfere with nighttime sleep.
• Don't be too hard on yourself if side effects make it hard to eat. Try eating small, frequent meals or snacks. Go easy on fried or oily foods. These can be hard to digest. On days when you are feeling well and your appetite is good, try to eat regular meals and snacks.
• Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help with grocery shopping and fixing meals.
• Some side effects of chemotherapy go away within hours of receiving treatment. If your side effects persist, alert your health care team. Prompt ing attention to nutrition-related side effects can help keep up your weight and energy level and help you feel better.