r/cancer • u/Comprehensive-Tip492 • 18h ago

Patient 120 days post SCT

I am currently 120 days post stem cell transplant. I have absolutely no appetite. When I try to force myself to eat I end up feeling ill. I’ve lost about 20 lbs in the last month. At this point I’m not sure what to do? My oncologist believes that it’s all mental. I simply do not agree as I literally have no appetite even though I want to eat. Has anyone else experienced this?

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u/LoverOfPricklyPear 17h ago

During treatment? Yes. That far past? No. Try adding in shakes and simple smoothies best you can. All I got. :/

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u/Bermuda_Breeze 16h ago

I don’t have much appetite still (Day +288) as in I never feel hungry, but I’m managing to stay a stable weight with two meals, some fruit and a snack through the day. I always have a hot chocolate made with whole milk to start the day, and sometimes a drinking yogurt. I think they’re good for calories.

I think trial and error is key. Everyone tells me to eat more smaller meals more often, but that doesn’t help me as then I feel like I’m constantly facing food which puts me off entirely. So now I just try to capitalise on the meals I do eat. Sometimes making up your own advice is better than the official word!

Also finding foods I liked was trial and error. They weren’t necessarily my old favourites. But I’m gradually expanding my range again. So my advice is keep trying things, and don’t worry if your diet is limited for a while. Eating something is better than nothing.

Do you have dry mouth? Eating saucy foods like noodles, soups, pasta dishes helped make it possible to eat. Pilocarpine pills help too.