Pre Chemo Diet Preparation

Glad that we've been of some help to you and your wife already.  Everyone reacts differently to chemo, but I'll share what seemed to work for me.  First, start hydrating a few days before chemo.  You don't say what drugs your wife will be on, but carbo/taxol really slowed down my digestive tract and caused constipation initially.  She might want to be pro-active using Miralax the day before and a few days after as well.  I also made sure I was eating enough protein before chemo, drinking protein shakes between meals. I did take a few supplements as well.  L-glutamine, 10mg 3 times daily starting the day before chemo and taking until 3 days after.  Helps prevent neuropathy and mouth sores.  I also took daily Vitamin D, B-6, B-12 and a daily probiotic. All of these were with my doctor's approval. Also, Claritin starting the day before chemo and taking for 3 days to prevent joint/bone pain. Day of chemo I always ate a light breakfast, toast with peanut butter and some fruit. My side effects from chemo were relatively minor, consisting of numbness in my fingertips and toes (no pain), some stomach pains, some heartburn, constipation the first few rounds.  No nausea, no food aversions or loss of appetite, no overwhelming fatigue. I'm sure the other ladies will chime in with what worked for them.  Good luck to both of you!

Chris

NoTimeForCancer said:

Red Corvette, welcome.  I am sorry we are having to meet due to a common cancer threat.  We are glad to meet you, and as you can see, all questions are welcome.

I think Chris (Editgirl) did a great job and I would really concur with her wrap-up. I would add, that as scary as it seems, this is doable!  You may want to see if your cancer treatment facility has a dietician who specializes in helping cancer patients and talk about what will help her through.  My chemo nurse kept telling me, "push the protein" but what does that mean???  My dietician was helpful, and as Chris mentioned, was a big believer in probiotics.  

I can't imagine what our family and friends feel when they hear someone they know is diagnosed with cancer, but I know I couldn't have made it without their love and support. 

Sure, we will adopt you.  Chris summed it up very well.  I did have a loss of appetite but found some foods which appealed to me, were healthy and fairly well balanced although lacking in variety.  We are all different so your wife will have to play it by ear to a degree but we ladies are full of advice/experience we will gladly share.  For most of us, chemo was very doable.