how to combat no taste n lack of appetite during chemo?

Question

can anyone suggest what can someone do to combat lost of taste n lack of appetite during chemo treatment. person is feeling quite weak. person lives in uk.

Answer 1

get some complan from chemist should be able to get that down ok plus contains all vitimins will build strength back up .hope they feel better soonx x x in uk i forgot they can also ask the gp there are some drinks like milk shakes that they can get on prescription that contain all vitimins they are different flavours in both what i have put they are for people with no appetite and that are ill

Answer 2

Everyone I know who has gone through chemo has had the same complaint: dry mouth. Even if the smell of food makes chemo patients sick, and they have poor appetite, they seem to really enjoy having something sweet to suck on to keep their mouth from drying up: lollipops, jolly ranchers, werthers originals, life savers..... They were all big hits with the people I know. I know they are not very filling, but usually cancer patients aren't ver hungry, or are too nauseous to eat. This is atleast SOME nourishment they can keep down. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I had the same problem when I went thru chemo for Lymphoma. I found that drinking LOTS of water helped. Staying hydrated helps fight the ill effects of the chemo. Also, smaller meals more often. Adding more flavor won't help, but sticking with lots of water, veggies, and staying away from greasy or fried foods does help bring the taste back a bit.

Hope this helps...it sure helped me.

Answer 4

I'm sorry to hear of someone going through chemo. I went through 4 treatments over the holidays. Some say not to eat your fav. foods during it because then you won't ever want to eat that same food again but I say go for it. Whatever the person may have a craving for, eat lots of it because I know not all food tasted that great. I agree with drinking lots of water, popsicles, ice cream, jello, things that contain water & go down easy. For some reason, I had carb cravings so had pancakes, mashed potatoes, fr. fries, whenever I wanted, It was one of the very few upsides of the experience! God Bless!

Answer 5

A good nutrient drink like "Boost" is good. It is liquid, has many vitamins and is easy to swallow and tolerate. Also,
if the patient just don't want familiar foods, find something
that sounds good. I never could imagine, but I fell in love with
cheeze blintzes with warm strawberry preserves and cold
sour cream over the top. I would think of this and have to have
it, and it is healthy. Strawberries is very good with Chemo
and healthy and a fighting soldier against Cancer.
Most people try to eat their favorite things and find them repulsive. Don't force. Think of something unique. Good luck.

Answer 6

My friend had no appetite and we used to by her 1/4 bottle champagne and some strawberries, her oncologist said it was fine as she could keep these without being sick. She would have these and then go on to very light meals, a soft boiled egg was another favourite but chopped up in a cup with black pepper.

Answer 7

I have a disadvantage. I'm in theUS.

While my wife was recovering from cancer, she had zero appetite. The surgeon and the pharmacist came up with an "IV meal" which had 2000 calories. She actually gained weight. it worked.

Answer 8

When my husband was on chemo,he didn't want to eat so i made him lots of smoothies,fruit fools and thick soups etc. He also liked kippers on toast but didn't like the smell of them cooking so i bought the "boil in bag " ones.. I found he could tolerate poached eggs...There's lots you can do if you try....

Answer 9

Keep putting on the chilli sauce till you get a reaction and i hope the chemo works.
Best Wishes
Barry

Answer 10

The UK? if you can where you are at then cannabis is the obvious answer.