My last chemo was May 9th and last radiation was June 30th. Since then I find food makes me sick, I can't stand the smell, I can't stand the taste and I'm actually forcing myself to eat something. I'm relying on boost to make it through. Is this normal and how long should this go on. Also my hair hasn't started growing back. Any idea how long that will take.
2006-08-23 08:41:35 · 11 answers · asked by bsmclellan 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Ask these questions to your doctor.
2006-08-23 08:45:10 · answer #1 · answered by jeessiieecatsopolous 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You poor dear. I hope you have already told your Oncologist you are having trouble with nausea. Keep drinking the boost.
Also, usually cold foods are more pallitable than warm foods when your suffering from nausea. You can put a big glob of ice cream in with the boost and make a milk shake in a blender.
Sometimes the physician will prescribe some metoclopramide (reglan) to speed up gi motility, so you feel better about eating. They also can give you a couple days worth of dexamethazone to boost your ability to eat. A drug called megace stimulates your appetite. Try eating small meals 6-8 times a day. Many times it helps if someone does the cooking for you. Fill your freezer full of high calorie ice cream treats and junk foods, so you can graze and eat from many different choices.
If you are taking morphine or other narcotic pain relievers, it will make you nauseated. Usually the doctor doesnt stop the pain medicine, but instead gives something like Zofran or Anzemet to take the nausea away.
You should start to see downy hair coming in about any day now. Dont be surprised if it comes in a different texture or a different color.
Everyone is different and sometimes nausea is hard to overcome. Its almost like a learned response after big doses of chemotherapy. Patience and good luck.
Cancer RN x 12 yrs and have given a bunch of chemotherapy for lung cancer.
2006-08-23 16:36:18 · answer #2 · answered by happydawg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't you think this is something you should talk to your physician about? Anyhow, loss of appetite is very common after cancer therapy, especially chemo and radiation. You may need some type of nutritional therapy as directed by your doctor. You may try eating many smaller meals throughout the day instead of 1 or 2 meals. Try Ensure to keep your nutrients up!
2006-08-23 08:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by Bamboozel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband had radiation and chemo. It does affect your taste buds. He also drank boost and ate jello and jello cups because they still tasted good. I have no idea about the hair because he had very long hair but shaved his head when it started falling out and he decided he liked it so we kept it shaved. I dont know if you are a woman or a man but there are all kinds of scarves and hats with or without hair and bandanas. Hope this help[s. Good luck to you and please keep eating as much as possible it will keep up your strength.
2006-08-24 08:43:22 · answer #4 · answered by crumcake422 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hair should be coming any time now. Radiation effects are more permanent. But, hopefully, within 6 months or so, most of the effects will start tapering off. Hang in there. And stay in touch with your doctor.
2006-08-24 01:30:54 · answer #5 · answered by Char 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have completed treatment, it should take about a week or so for the stuff to get out of your body, then you might be able to eat normally again.
Hair starts growing back about a month after you've completed treatment. I went thru treatment last year and my hair is FINALLY getting it to where I don't have to wear wigs anymore!
Good luck! Also talk to your doctor about your concerns!!
2006-08-23 11:37:30 · answer #6 · answered by redirishactress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
August 2001 i had my right lung removed from lung cancer. They found a cancer in my top lobe and middle lobe. i never had to have chemo or radiation. im very fortunate. Im sorry youre having to go thru it. but just keep a positive attitude you will be fine. your hair shouldnt be to long from coming back in. good luck to you may god bless you.
2006-08-23 15:09:20 · answer #7 · answered by duc602 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep your head up!
i know of some stories about chemo that will make some people not want it, but you were brave enough to fight for your life! good! dont worry so much and keep it in your heart and will to live to want to stay alive. eat food and take care of your body. its so weak right now. your hair isnt growing back because your not getting enough nutients. if you eat something, make it cold. foods dont smell a lot if its cold (room temp. food from cans, salads)
2006-08-23 08:48:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are supposed to face such problems bravely, do not get much anxious.
2006-08-23 08:45:18 · answer #9 · answered by sukhwinder b 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you better have a chat to you oncologist.
2006-08-26 02:17:08 · answer #10 · answered by Knackers 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋