Nutrition during chemo

skt48
skt48 Member Posts: 19
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have read and been told so many conflicting things regarding nurtrition during chemo. For ex. I was told by the chemo nurse not to eat lettuce or strawberries. To be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits. On the web they encourage fruits and vegetables. Please give some info. on what to eat during chemo. I started almost two weeks ago, and evertime I eat, I am afraid I am doing myself harm.

Comments

  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #2
    When my white blood count became very low and I had neutrpenic fevers as a result of my white blood count being wiped out, they told me I should be on a neutapenic/low microbial diet. This meant no raw vegetables or fruits, particularly tomatoes. I could eat canned veggies, canned fruit and juice which had been pastuerized or homogonized. I can't quite remember which. But, once the low white blood count returned to "normal," I could eat whatever I wanted. Check again with your chemo nurse. Ask her "why" in your case, no fresh fruit or veggies. I have started on V8, tomato juice, V8 infusions - anything to get those serving of fruits and veggies into my system. Don't know if this helps. Your nurse will be the best resource. Marilynn
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #3
    I think it depends on the particular drugs you are taking and how they effect your individual body. The first round of drugs I was on had the effect of reducing red blood cells, so they told me to emphasize greens and protein. The second round that I am on now has more effect on white blood cells. White blood cells are what the body produces to fight infection, so when the WBC count goes below the "magic number" I have to have a neupogen injection and the nurses say stay away from raw fruit and veggies, especially lettuce, because it is not easy to wash away all the potentially dangerous germs. I would ask your Doctor and/or nurses whether you need any restrictions and why. In my case the Oncologist is not as concerned with me avoiding raw stuff as the nurses are. I just try to be sure I get it as clean as I can and don't worry about it. You could look on chemocare.com to see information about the specific drugs you are on. I cannot remember if it gives info on nutrition, but it does tell you what the drug is for and what the side effects can be.

    Best wishes, seof
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    seof said:

    I think it depends on the particular drugs you are taking and how they effect your individual body. The first round of drugs I was on had the effect of reducing red blood cells, so they told me to emphasize greens and protein. The second round that I am on now has more effect on white blood cells. White blood cells are what the body produces to fight infection, so when the WBC count goes below the "magic number" I have to have a neupogen injection and the nurses say stay away from raw fruit and veggies, especially lettuce, because it is not easy to wash away all the potentially dangerous germs. I would ask your Doctor and/or nurses whether you need any restrictions and why. In my case the Oncologist is not as concerned with me avoiding raw stuff as the nurses are. I just try to be sure I get it as clean as I can and don't worry about it. You could look on chemocare.com to see information about the specific drugs you are on. I cannot remember if it gives info on nutrition, but it does tell you what the drug is for and what the side effects can be.

    Best wishes, seof

    I got a book from the American Cancer Society..Eating Well, Staying Well, During and After Cancer. It lists all sorts of foods and vitamins and green teas and miracle cures and tells the ACS viewpoint on them. If there is anything in particular you have a question on, you can email me directly and I will look it up for you. I did look up the germs on raw foods issue for you and they say all the food safety stuff you already know, washing, storing, cooking high enough. But they don't say stop. I ate raw salads all through my chemo, but I had a pretty easy time of chemo. And I took Neulasta as a matter of routine, not when needed. Do talk to your doctor, or chemo nurse, or both.
    bon apetit! Joyce

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