treatment side effects

[terca]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to manage some side effects I have been experiancing.I feel nausiated all day everyday.It seems the best time of day is in the morning.That`s when I actually feel a little hungery.But then after I eat I get sick.I have no apetite at all the rest of the day.I force  myself to eat,but then without fail,I get sick. I am starting to drop weight that I really can`t afford to lose.Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[nygirl7]

Ice cream helped me keep some weight on and it's a good food to take with your riba cause it has fat in it.  You do take your riba with food right?  Little meals seems to work the best for most people.......grazing all day long becomes kind of like work but boy I wish I could do it today three years later!  ;)

Gingerale with the bubbles stirred out helps and I thought it was stupid and a wives tale but crackers did help too.  And remember this too shall pass - it's not forever and usually it goes away after your body gets used to it all.

[zrjl]

Oh wow, just read this - sorry you're going through this. I was hoping that the fatigue would be the worst of your problems. I'm not having any appetite problems, but I was told if I did to be sure and eat things like puddings, and ice cream and maybe mac and cheese. Creamy things that are easy on your stomach. Best of luck, hope you get it under control soon. We started together and I hope we are both very successful!! <3

[meakea]

Let your doc know of your nausea.  There are prescription meds that can help you if you need them.  

[terca]

Thank you for all of your suggestions.I will try some ensure tomorrow.I was drinking lots of water at the begining of tx,but now even the thought of water makes me feel like barfing. I hope it passes,because if it doesn`t,it`s going to be a long 6 months.  

[meakea]

Can you stomach some of the nutritional drinks such as Ensure or Boost (Boost is a cheaper version of Ensure).  I drank one of those everyday while on TX because I couldn't eat enough to maintain my weight.  I diluted them with water so that it wasn't so thick and would go down much easier that way.  

I also used cheese and crackers to nibble on throughout the day.  Yogurt...

[justme53]

The only thing that works for me immediately is to sip like ginger ale or 7-up, preferably with a straw. Quick fix for me usually. Applesauce (with mashed bananas if I have them). Sometimes work up to a yogurt smoothie or cottage cheese for added protein. Sometimes I just have to crawl back to bed. It's my most challenging sx at this point and I'm not liking it much! A friend of mine whose husband is going through chemo gave me a barf bag that they get foron the way home. Makes me feel a little better than possibly hurling on someone's shoes.

If it gets worse, watch for dehydration....it can sneak up on us before we know it.

Feel better soon!   Pam

[simbar24]

Drink lots of water.  Eat small amounts of school (graze).  Get plenty of rest.  Baby yourself.

[terca]

Thank you,I have heard that marijuana holds alot of benefits,but it is hard to get because so far it is illegal in my state.Although I heard that medicinal marijuana is going to be on Nov. ballot.I have my fingers crossed.But till then I will try your other suggestions.I will let you know how things are going.And rglass,I have found that ice cream seems to be the only thing that doesn`t make me sick.  

[R Glass]

ICE CREAM

[jdwithhcv]

I can sympathize, nausea can be awful.  Forcing yourself to eat just makes it worse, but you have to get some nutrition.  Have you tried marijuana?  It can help with the nausea and stimulate appetite, and its also helpful for anxiety (for some folks).  Try to just graze, if you can't face meals then just keep something around to munch on.  Dietary supplement drinks like Ensure can help too.  Find a flavor you like or at least one you can stand.  Or find something rich that will stay down.  When very sick on chemo I found Starbucks hot chocolate would stay down and give me enough calories to keep me on my feet.

Good luck, let us know how its going.  And take heart - side effects come and go for lots of people so it may be in a few weeks this will pass.  Hang in there.

jd