When I started the awful journey of chemo I thought I was fine. That I might be able to go through this like a breeze. Man I was wrong....... First chemo was ok, until my second week. I was throwing up like an opened faucet. The worst part was, I didn't have anything to throw up. My stomach was empty most of the times.
My brain was sending signals to my body that I had to throw up in order to feel better. That was the worst feeling of all. I remember squatting down in front of the toilet like I was praying, and literally, I was.
Who new I was going to feel soooooo bad. The oncologist said even though I was feeling OK, chemo medicine accumulates over the weeks in my body. I was going to feel worst and worst.
Food I Stopped Eating
My hubby was making me all of my favorites foods in order to make me eat at least a few bites. But after a few bites I repulse them. The metallic taste was ruining my favorite dish. That's why I decided to eat just whatever was available so I would eat my favorite food again in the future.
One thing I stopped eating was fruit, not all fruit though. Mostly the ones you eat without peeling, like apples, grapes, etc... Because your immune system is so low that you don't want to risk it by eating unpeeled fruits. Even if you wash them thoroughly, there is a chance you might eat bacteria.
Same was with raw salad. Salad was one of my side dishes when I wasn't in treatment. But raw salad and veggies would do the same as unpeeled fruits. I guess food is not the same anymore nowadays. I used to make beets, potatoes, carrots and boil them, made a simple onion, vinegar, and EVOO dressing. It was good and killed my anxiety. Pork and fish were a No No for me. These proteins need to be cooked thoroughly to kill salmonella and other bacteria. The doctors told me not to eat them at all, just in case. Chicken it is....I said. Sushi will have to wait a year, I said.
We had trouble finding something to eat that wasn't going to make me sick. That's why I created the Healing Cookbook - Recipes for Chemo Patients. I wanted people to have choices. To be able to enjoy life while you are battling the most difficult and heartbreaking disease in the world. I remember standing in the kitchen feeling lost, tired, and overwhelmed.
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If you're in the middle of treatment right now. It's ok if your favorite food disgust you.
It's ok to hate your favorite food.
If you need help getting nourished or need help preparing food for you love one that is going through treatment. Get a copy of my cookbook and start enjoying your meals again.
Wish you all the best!
Sunny Ng