According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. Doctors often treat breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, with chemotherapy. You receive chemotherapy in a series of treatments every two to three weeks over a period of months, lasting as long as six months. Your appetite and diet may change when undergoing treatment. Ensure that you are eating a healthy diet to increase energy levels and avoid weight loss. Besides healthy foods, exercise and properly managing stress are critical during chemotherapy.
Appetite
Immediately after the administration of chemotherapy, your appetite may increase or decrease. If you have a loss of appetite, consume smaller meals during the day. Aim to eat four to six times each day. Avoid eating hot or warm foods if the smell of food bothers you. Your appetite should improve several days after chemotherapy treatment, advises Breast Cancer Care. Make eating an enjoyable experience. Focus on eating your favorite foods, and keep your kitchen stocked with healthy foods you enjoy as snacks such as bananas, popcorn and frozen yogurt. Make an effort to eat with friends or family instead of eating alone.
Some types of chemotherapy and breast cancer medications may increase your appetite. If you are concerned about weight gain, focus on low-fat foods and base meals on fruits and vegetables instead of meats. Weight gain may be associated not with caloric intake but rather with water retention. Talk to your medical professional if you feel you are taking on large amounts of water weight. A diuretic medication may help rid your body of excess fluid.
Nausea
Nausea often sets in after receiving chemotherapy. You must continue to hydrate your body during this time. Drink ginger or mint tea, which may decrease your stomach's unsettled feeling. You can also chew on a small amount of raw ginger or mint to decrease the nausea sensation. Ice pops and ice chips slowly add water to your body without increasing nausea. Eat dry, bland foods such as toast, crackers, rice or bananas. Avoid greasy, spicy and fried foods. Ask someone else to prepare meals for you if the smell of food is bothersome. BreastCancer.org states that lying down after eating may disrupt the digestive process, so continue to sit up instead of resting after meals.
Calories and Protein
Eating foods high in calories and protein is critical when undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to Net Wellness. The different drugs you are taking may deplete your energy levels, and your appetite can decline, causing malnutrition and weight loss. Increase calories by adding sour cream, cheese, milk and butter to food. Drink a liquid supplement to increase both calories and protein. Foods high in protein include cottage cheese, peanut butter, tuna and eggs.
Warning
Seek medical attention if you are rapidly losing weight or have no desire to eat for several days. Speak to your medical professional about medications that can decrease the adverse effects of chemotherapy that you are experiencing. Do not eat food during episodes of vomiting, but continue to hydrate your body. If vomiting does not subside, seek medical attention.
