Undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer can take its toll on a woman both physically and emotionally. Her diet plays a large role in the treatment process and her ability to cope with any side effects the chemotherapy may have on her. Though they may vary according to each woman and the drug used in her treatment, some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dry mouth.
Flexibility
Each woman's diet is modified to fit her needs, which will vary according to the side effects she is suffering from. For optimal health during chemotherapy, her diet should include fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy and grains; however, these may be altered throughout treatment as needed.
Nausea
If she experiences nausea during her chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer, eating cool or room-temperature foods may help, as warmer or hot foods tend to make the nausea worse. This includes foods such as toast, crackers, oatmeal and skinless chicken that has not been fried. It may also help to eat small amounts slowly, and drink plenty of fluids. Fluids should be saved for anytime except meals, though; drinking with a meal can lead to feeling bloated, resulting in a worsening of the nausea.
Vomiting
Vomiting usually accompanies nausea, so if she can control one, she can prevent the other. In some instances though, vomiting cannot be prevented. In these cases, it is better not to eat anything until the vomiting has stopped. She may also want to consider a liquid diet until the vomiting is under control and solid food can be kept down.
Dry Mouth
Drinking a bit of water every few minutes can help provide moisture to her mouth, while eating or drinking something sweet, such as lemonade, will help her mouth produce saliva. Eating foods mixed with sauces or gravies will make swallowing your food easier.
Diarrhea
To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of liquids at room temperature. When she eats, she wants to be sure the food is low-fiber food such as rice, yogurt, chicken and bananas. Food that is high in fiber, like grains and vegetables, may only make the diarrhea worse.
Loss of Appetite
This can be caused from the breast cancer itself, or the chemotherapy. Depending on the drugs used in treatment, she can lose her ability to taste. However it is still important to eat in order to maintain her strength for the treatments. To combat her loss of appetite, she can try eating frequently through the day in smaller amounts, even if they are just snack foods such as carrots, apples or pretzels. Keeping a variety of foods in her cupboard may also help; what she doesn't have a taste for one day, she may want the next. Finally, even if all she desires is a milk shake or a strawberry sundae each night, she should eat it. Even though they may not be found in the food pyramid, they still have nutritional value in the dairy department.
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