Getting back into life

kikz said:

Although we are considered
to be in Nothern CA, I guess we are actually closer to the middle. I live near San Jose.

Karen

anicca said:

Victoria - Foods you can eat
When I started chemo, I was told no salads and only hard cooked eggs, because chemo lowers the white blood count and makes one more susceptible to bacterial illnesses, which are easily spread on raw veggies and under-cooked eggs. At the time, the only things I could eat were over easy eggs and boiled potatoes, so my NP allowed the eggs, just once, right after the first chemo. I asked for more detail, and was told that days 12-16 after chemo are when the white count is lowest, so I allowed myself raw veggies outside of those days. I was also told to only eat raw veggies and fruit if I washed them myself, with soap and water. I got used to hard scrambled eggs. I was also advised to avoid beef, lamb, pork and smoked meats. I actually lost my appetite for those things anyway, and also could not stand fish, except for canned tuna.

Summary:
Avoid all raw foods during days 12-16 after chemo
Only eat raw veggies & fruit that you have washed yourself
Avoid raw or under-cooked animal foods (sushi, eggs, etc.)
Avoid red meat

Your immune system is compromised - be careful! Wash hands a lot and carry hand sanitizer with you.