So, over the last month or two, I've noticed that I have very little appetite. I always eat breakfast, but then spend the rest of the day looking for snacky type things that sound appetizing, because I'm never really hungry. I'm overweight by about 30 pounds, so on one hand, it's not altogether unwelcome, but I hate to go down this road because of the stupid disease. Early on, my oncologist-friend stressed that I should "maintain" my weight...when I reminded him that I'm overweight to begin with, he reiterated..."maintain" my weight. I've probably lost about five pounds so far.
I've been on Tarceva about 10 months, and have faced lots of digestive issues with it, mostly diarrhea. Could the appetite issues be related to the Tarceva? Any ideas? Suggestions? (I'm not a creative or great cook, so I'm looking for simple ideas.)
Thanks so much for your help!!
--Stephanie
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Appetite issues...Tarceva?? Insight?
- By stephanie410
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 10:13 am · 15 replies
- In Nutrition
- Shared with the public
15 replies
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- By Bond
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 11:12 am
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My mother in law is on Tarceva and she is NEVER hungry. My father in law is always on her about eating but she can't help the fact that she is not hungry.
She has been on Tarceva for 2 to 3 yrs and has lost a lot of weight. She is bordering being too thin but again she can't help it when this medicine is making her this way.
I think it is good that you are looking for snacks that will cause you to eat. My husbands experience was that he had a metallic taste with many foods. Eggs seem to really a hit with him but only in the afternoon.
The best thing is to try to find what works the best for you. It sounds like you are pursuing this.
- By knittygirl
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 11:25 am
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Hi Steph,
I lost my appetite as well. I try to eat snacks and small meals through out the day. I find that I no longer have any food cravings, so figuring out what to eat has become difficult. I dropped about 8 pounds in the last month.
Take care,
Sam
- By stephanie410
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 12:03 pm
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Oh, good Lord, Sam...you don't have 8 pounds on those bones!!!--how could you possibly have lost that? At least I have some to spare!!
I think it's funny that it took 8 or 9 months to have this side effect...
--s
- By stephanie410
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 12:05 pm
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Thanks, Bond. You know, I should hard boil some eggs and keep them in the fridge. Just your mention of them made me hungry for eggs! There aren't many things that make me feel that way. I actually walk AWAY from the fridge these days!
Now I'm hungry for an egg! Good idea!
--Steph
- By Bond
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 12:49 pm
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I guess I was just being a "good egg" for the day, ha ha
- By Chauncey53
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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Hi Steph - between 6 months of carbo/taxol/avastin and 2.5 months of tarceva I've lost over 60 lbs since Aug 08. I was a 'little' chunky to begin with but this is not a diet I'd recommend to others. My taste buds are pretty well shot. I used to be on a yogurt kick but now its cottage cheese. Part of my lack of appetite is the diarrhea I'm sure.
I've found a few good cookbooks for cancer patients but the best I've found is 'One Bite At A Time' by Rebecca Katz. I found it at Borders in the Cancer section. Her recipes are full of the nutrients we need especially because we dont have appetites and arent eating much. She has a great mineral broth that is good just by itself when you really cant eat and its also the base for other recipes.
I wish you the best - Debbie
- By stephanie410
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 2:40 pm
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60 lbs since August?? You poor thing! Thanks for the book suggestion.
--s
- By DianaY
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 8:51 pm
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Stephanie,
I've been on Tarceva for 15 months now and the only eating issue I have is that my taste buds are sensitive now. I LOVE spicy food and I find I can't eat it that often. Some days I can have hot sauce and it doesn't bother me, but others, it tastes VERY hot. So I just play it by ear. But I defintely have my appetite and I've gained about 6 pounds over the last few months. I think I'm "paranoid" of loosing a bunch of weight.
I would say, just try to eat healthy, but don't change the way you eat completely. I eat what I want, but try to add veggies or some healthy food every day. But I LOVE my pizza and snacks on the week end! (and a drink too!)
Keep us posted on your eating habits! Just stay positive and try not too think about things too much...it will drive you crazy!
Diana
- By fourthgrade126
- Posted April 8, 2009 at 9:30 pm
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My mom isn't on tarceva and hasn't had chemo since oct. She can't eat anything. It is a real struggle for us to get anything down her including ensure. In the past year mom has lost 100lbs. Down from 240 to 140. Dr has tried her on several different types of pills and liquids to increase her appetite but nothing seems to work. The only time she comes close to eating a good meal is when I fix vegetable soup (I usually fix it at least 1x per week). Will be praying that God will help you with your appetite.
Pam
- By chessie-too
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 1:17 am
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I've been on tarceva for over 2 years and my appetite used to off and on.
How about baked potatoes, noodles and broccoli, macaroni/cheese, chicken noodle soup, and cinnamon/raisin bagels make a great snack. Fresh strawberries are great snacks. And milkshakes have lots of calories. What about flavored instant oatmeal?
Just some of the things that worked for me.
Good luck and God Bless
- By stephanie410
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:37 am
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Diana--
I have the same thing with sensitive taste buds. I also love spicy food, and sometimes the burn is unbearable. Even just a diet soda sometimes burns. Crazy, isn't it?!
--s
- By RMSSyr
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 9:58 am
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And the "hot" foods just don't taste the same without the spice! I also have found a discomfort with soda, oh well, I drink coffee and tea!
FInd snacks that work for you.
- By DianaY
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 2:55 pm
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Yep - having a coke can burn the top of my mouth some days!! But some days not as bad. Oh well, we have to take the good with the bad!
- By SusanK2
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 3:55 pm
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Since last summer, I lost my appetite due to radiation and chemo (Avastin and Alimta) and it is still not completely back. My husband got concerned about my weight loss and now makes me smoothies with milk or soy milk, soy protein powder, frozen fruits or bananas and other ingredients like a TB of canola oil, sugar and believe it or not, broccoli sprouts. I drink it with or instead of lunch or dinner and my weight loss has stabilized. My Dr. doesn't have a problem with this, and I enjoy then.
Susan
- By SusanK2
- Posted April 9, 2009 at 3:56 pm
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Since last summer, I lost my appetite due to radiation and chemo (Avastin and Alimta) and it is still not completely back. My husband got concerned about my weight loss and now makes me smoothies with milk or soy milk, soy protein powder, frozen fruits or bananas and other ingredients like a TB of canola oil, sugar and believe it or not, broccoli sprouts. I drink it with or instead of lunch or dinner and my weight loss has stabilized. My Dr. doesn't have a problem with this, and I enjoy then.
Susan
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