Managing Energy and Diet

AliciaB · 05-07-2012, 12:53 PM

How have you managed your activity level while going through chemotherapy?

How have you managed your diet while going through chemotherapy?

I seem to be a bit hesitant in my activity level. Sometimes I feel it is more psychological than physical. For instance, i work this morning then went to PT. No i am home, a bit tired. Should I stay home and take a nap or push through and go to work? thoughts?

Regrading diet- i am never hungry. I eat because of the habit, the time on the clock, the social atmosphere, or emotional reasons. But since starting chemo, i am never hungry. I know diet is important, but i have struggled with food issues even before diagnosis. thoughts?

chrisy · 05-07-2012, 05:34 PM

My experience is, with the physical activity you need to take cues from your body. I felt better and stronger when I could continue my regular walking regimen, even if I was a bit slow or didnt walk as far. But some days you're just too tired, and you have to respect that. Overall, there is evidence that physical activity will help you.

On the food thing, my first time around I ate pretty normally. This latest regimen, I've had problems with appetite, taste, and mouth sores. So it's been a challenge, and I've had some weight loss which is approaching unhealthy.

It's super important that you stay well nourished, as your healthy body (the rest of besides the cancer) is the resource you are bringing to the treatment party. Some things that have worked for me is puréed soups, smoothies of all types - but always including a good dose of whey protein and all healthy stuff. With "no" taste buds, it actually makes it easier for flavors to find those few buds who are still willing to play.

Stay strong.

BonnieR · 05-08-2012, 04:12 PM

Regarding physical activity, as I progressed along in chemo, it became harder to be active. I was just so fatigued and achey. But I had to walk the dog and a neighbor, who had not been friendly prior, started coming by to get me every day to go walking the dogs. Sometimes I only got half a block, but it was someting and I am very grateful to her for the support and encouragement.
Regarding food, I had no appetite so I made sure to eat frequent snacks of easy to prepare things.Like cheese and crackers, yogurt, soup, smoothies.( For some reason I loved these little frozen spinach thingys. Now I cant look at them!) I was encouraged to eat protien, calorie rich foods. Ice cream and milk shakes too! I drank canned Ensure.
Good luck. Keep the faith.

snolan · 05-09-2012, 07:21 AM

I would take the week off after chemo but then do some light exercise the next two weeks, walking and biking. Eating became more difficult as chemo progress as mentioned above you may have to try a variety of things to see what works but make it a good meal ie protein fat anything to help keep your energy up. Good luck.

AliciaB · 05-13-2012, 04:12 PM

Thank you for the support. I went I'm to work a lot this week- some days for 5 hours. Found put that was too much, even on my good week. I go into my 3/6 Chemo on Tuesday. Yippee for the halfway point!

CoolBreeze · 05-16-2012, 08:09 PM

I've been on chemo for 2 1/2 years. I finally decided I had to give up my job, so I'll work until mid-June and then I'm done.

I find that if you make yourself do stuff, you can do it. Getting up is hard but once you do, you are fine.

I really dread the days when I have to sit around the house all day.

Eating is a bit harder - I seem to have trouble making myself eat. I guess it's because I"m busy at work so maybe that will improve when I am done.

I don't know what stage you are or how long you'll be on chemo. If this is your first, and hopefully, only round, then I would take it as easy as you can. When it becomes your life, then you have to push through stuff.

bevilj · 05-17-2012, 11:48 AM

Hi Alicia,

I think both diet and exercise are important during/after treatment. Having said that, I'm not the best example of what to do at all times.

I used to be very active but find that with each treatment I can't do as much as I want to. But, I do what I can, when I can. I try to walk / hike regularly but some days I don't feel up to it, so I don't. I ride my bike some days and ski or kayak also. I don't do any of these activities with the endurance or strength that I used to but I find that just getting out and doing something makes me feel better physically and mentally. When I was in IV chemo, I was only able to walk short distances but since then, I can do more and have even run some races along the way. Currently, I'm rebounding from a treatment that has left me wiped out so I'm working on getting back to routine exercise again.

As for the diet, I haven't had much of an appetite through it all. As my onc has told me, eat whatever sounds good to you (spicy food is my fave!), regardless of what others might tell you to eat. That is supposed to help boost your appetitie.

Over the last several months, I have lost a bit of weight and am now considered 'under weight'. I'm trying to remind myself to eat small meals / snacks throughout the day instead of putting all the pressure on eating 3 bigger meals (when I am not hungry and can't eat much). I am focusing on protein and fats and carbs to help me gain and have a little success in the last week.

I start everyday with a smoothie full of yogurt, juice and my favorite fruits. I eat toast with nutella or pistachios or a handful of garbanzo beans as snacks. I usually have leftovers or a creamy soup or cheese sandwich for lunch and another snack before dinner. I have no desire to cook these days so dinners are either something easy and family friendly or cooked by my husband. I finish everyday with ice cream or a milkshake.

We try to buy 'whole' foods, we don't buy a lot of processed items, and we buy organic when it makes sense for us. While I think this approach is good for me, it also poses problems since 'whole' foods equate to 'preparation needed'. If you're not able to figure out what sounds good to you, or how to combat side effects, there are some great websites / cookbooks out there that offer recipe ideas to help you through your treatment as well (Eating well through Cancer, caring4cancer.com).

I wish you well in your journey, Jen