My Mom and her breast cancer

Ten years ago I was diagnosed with TNBC. I had a right mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of A/C and 12 rounds of Taxotere. No radiation. Amongst the many symptoms I had was a complete lack of appetite. I literally ate nothing at all. I called myself "the Incredible Shrinking Woman." Not exactly the recommended way to lose weight but there really was no way around it. My oncologist was, of course, not pleased but said it was far more important to remain hydrated than it was to eat. I really didn't even want to do that but forced that on myself. I bought a cup that had measurements on the side and with great discipline drank the required number of ounces of water or unsweetened juice on a schedule. Sometimes I was able to manage frozen fruit juice bars. As you can see from the first few words of my post that was 10 years ago. I have gained that weight back and then some.  I have also been in remission ever since. I hope my story has given you some hope. I wish you and your mom all the best.

IRENE

chemo can make food taste different.  Not all food but some.  I no longer liked eggs, watermelon, cold cuts, mayo.  I never resumed eating these foods even 10 years later.  It’s very rare that I find food that tastes as good as before chemo.  I’m never in the mood for anything but sweets now.  Chemo and radiation are very difficult to go thru.  I was 49 and I have never fully recovered.  I am 60 now and had treatment for another cancer since then.  I did lose weight due to lack of interest in food.  I have never regained it.  My doctor said if you only eat cake...eat it...it has milk flour and eggs in it.  I was also sensitive to the metallic taste of the silverware.  I know it’s hard for you...I felt so bad for my husband because there was nothing that he could do to help me feel better.