Preparing Yourself for Cancer Treatment

Until your treatment starts, you won't know exactly what, if any, side effects you may have or how you'll feel. One way to prepare is to think of your treatment as a time for you to concentrate on yourself and on getting well. Here are some other ways to get ready:

Think Positively

• Many people have few or no eating-related side effects. Even if you do, they may be mild, and most go away after cancer treatment ends. Also, there are drugs that can work to control side effects.
• Having a positive attitude, talking out your feelings, becoming well-informed about your cancer and treatment, and planning ways to cope can all help reduce worry and anxiety, make you feel more in control, and help you keep your appetite.
• Give food a chance. Even if you do have eating problems, you'll have days when eating is a pleasure.

Eat a Healthy Diet

• If you've been eating a healthy diet, you'll go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defenses against infection.
• People who eat well are better able to cope with side effects. You may even be able to handle higher doses of certain treatments. For example, we know that some cancer treatments are actually much more effective if the patient is well-nourished and getting enough calories and protein in his or her diet.
• Don't be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good to you during treatment.

Plan Ahead

• Stock the pantry and freezer with favorite foods so that you won't need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you are sick.
• Keep foods handy that need little or no preparation, for example, pudding, peanut butter, tuna fish, cheese, and eggs.
• Do some cooking in advance and freeze in meal-sized portions.
• Talk to friends or family members about helping with shopping and cooking. Or, ask a friend or family member to manage that job for you.
• Talk to a registered dietitian about your concerns and what you might expect. She or he can give you ideas and help you plan meals. Ask for help in developing a grocery list with foods that might help with potential side effects, such as constipation or nausea. Ask about what has worked for other patients.

For times when you can't ingest food with your mouth, there's an approach known as enteral feeding.