Still bad appetite two years post chemo

i was diagnosed with stage 3b Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in 2015 and had six rounds of CHOP plus a total of 11 operations (they thought the issue was my breast when in fact it was lymphoma based in the breast therefore did many exploratory operations. 

 

Two years post chemo I’m nearly three stone heavier, eat bad food and have no real appetite. I have lost my sense of taste and can be very picky what I eat. What I love one day makes me feel sick the other. I just eat to feeed myself snacking on sandwiches and jacket potatoes. I used to love salads and fruit and now I can hardly touch them. I even struggle eating my veggies on a Sunday dinner. I used to be so fit before chemo going out on my bike, exercise classes and was generally active. I now suffer from chronic fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, Lymphoedema and have recently been diagnosed with haitus hernia. I do exercise (walk my dog) when my health permits but I can have periods up to three weeks where I can barely move from the fatigue. Any progress I have made losing weight then piles back on when I am inactive. I wondered if anyone else has a similar problem?

  • Welcome to the forum Willowsambo although I'm sorry for the circumstances under which you have joined us.

    Have you spoken to your GP about this? If not, maybe you could book an appointment with them to chat about this and let them know about the impact it is having on your physical and mental health so they can point you in the right direction and give you the help you need to get through this sticky patch.

    Our cancer nurses are just a phone call away if you would like to chat to them about the struggles you're having with your diet. Their number is 0808 800 4040 and are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and I also wanted to put you in touch with one of our members [@Jolamine]‍. She also has lymphoedema and peripheral neuropathy and it may be helpful as well as a source of support and comfort to chat to someone who knows what you are going through.

    I hope this helps and you're able to get back on track soon.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi - apparently B12 injections can help with the peripheral neuropathy, warmth and gabapentin - we're still trying to figure out what works.  Appreciate how much you've been through and wish you well

  • I’m exactly the same. I cook the meals and can’t eat them I was on cistplatin and vinoralbine 4 rounds in total I have lung cancer. If I go to a shop and buy food I can eat it or if someone cooks it .

    its been 10 weeks since treatment finished x

  • I have just finished 4 cycles, also of cistplatin and vinoralbine for lung cancer. I've always been a 'foodie' and love cooking, but I now have no appetite and it's a struggle to force myself to eat. 

    I was hoping to find some indication on this forum about how soon I can expect my appetite to return to normal, but I'm disappointed to see the length of time it may take. 

    Has there been any improvement, Kalilou2?