Chemotherapy is often called just "chemo." It involves taking strong drugs that kill cancer cells. The drugs are most commonly taken by mouth or given by injection into the bloodstream. Chemo drugs can damage both healthy cells and cancer cells. Cells most likely to be injured are bone marrow, hair, and the lining of the digestive tract from the mouth all the way to the rectum or anus.

Side effects will depend on what kind of chemo drugs you take and how you take them. The following are common side effects of chemo that can cause eating problems:

• 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 increased risk of infection

You may not have these side effects from chemotherapy, but if you do, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse. They may suggest medicines, daily self-care practices, and changes in diet to lessen eating-related side effects you are having. While you're getting chemotherapy, eating well 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 faster

Nutrition suggestions for people getting chemotherapy

Most people get chemo at an outpatient center. It may take anywhere from a few minutes to many hours.

Plan ahead and bring a light meal or snack in an insulated bag or small cooler. Find out whether there is a refrigerator or microwave you can use.

Make sure you eat something before getting your treatment. Most people find that a light meal or snack before chemotherapy is well tolerated.

You may be very tired while getting 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 beans, lentils, and other legumes) to help boost your energy. Other suggestions to reduce fatigue are to prioritize your activities, doing the most important ones 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 greasy 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. Be sure to drink plenty of water or liquids (eight to ten 8-oz glasses) each day.

Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help with grocery shopping and fixing meals. If you have no one to help you, think about having meals delivered to your home or eating a meal at a community or senior center. To learn more about meal delivery and other services, contact us or call us at 1-800-ACS-2345 for resources in your area. You might also try your county assistance groups, area churches, and social services.

Some side effects of chemotherapy go away within hours of getting treatment. If your side effects persist, tell your health care team. Prompt attention to nutrition-related side effects can help keep up your weight and energy level and help you feel better.

If you are having appetite problems, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sore mouth or throat, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, or changes in the taste or smell of food, please refer to these sections in this guide for information on how to help manage these side effects.

If you are having trouble eating and have been following a special eating plan for diabetes or some other chronic health condition, talk to your doctor, nurse, or dietitian about how best to change your eating habits while you are getting chemotherapy.

Be sure that your doctor or nurse knows about your side effects so they can prescribe any needed medicines. For example, there are effective medicines to control nausea and vomiting or to treat diarrhea.

For more information on managing side effects of chemotherapy, ask the American Cancer Society about Understanding Chemotherapy: A Guide for Patients and Families.

Revised 02/04/2008