New diagnosis: I have this week been... - My Breast Cancer ...

My Breast Cancer Community

3,846 members1,820 posts

New diagnosis

Coco25 profile image
27 Replies

I have this week been informed that I have breast cancer and for some reason my appetite nosedived the very next day. I love food, but am finding it really hard to eat and have little appetite. I need to eat. Any advice out there?

Written by
Coco25 profile image
Coco25
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
27 Replies

Hello Coco25 💐

I am so sorry to hear you have breast cancer, everyone reacts differently to the news & l think in your case it's affected your appetite. Don't try too hard or over think it, do you have family or a friend who could make you a little sometime to tempt you? Anything at all, but have a milky coffee or nutritional drink in the meantime & your appetite will return, just try light snacks & try not to get too stressed about it.

Have you been informed of your treatment plan yet? If you have any questions there is always someone here who can help.

Best Wishes 🌺

Mrs N 💅🏼

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to

At the moment, I'm forcing myself to eat, mainly vegetables. I will learn more about treatment during my meeting with the oncologist next week. I have lots of support so am quite lucky. It's just lonely during the days.

Chrissie2 profile image
Chrissie2 in reply to Coco25

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. You have hit the nail on the head by saying you have plenty of support. Take advantage of all your family and friends. Mine definitely kept me going especially during the darker times

As regards the eating, I am sure the appetite will come back. Try eating a little but often and try strong flavours. Eat what you fancy until the appetite gets back to normal and definitely drink lots of water.

Big hugs to you as you start your journey and let us know how you get on xx

Jennymary profile image
Jennymary

So sorry to read of your diagnosis, with regard to eating why not reward yourself when you clear your plate, extra square of chocolate, extra mouthful of wine in the glass, maybe a DVD, I hope your appt next week goes ok, I'll be thinking of you xxxx

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to Jennymary

Thank u so much for the tip. 👍🏼

GED57 profile image
GED57

Sorry 😐 to hear your news. I had a full mastectomy last August. I think it's the shock that ruins appetites. Take each day as it comes, you will get well looked after. Here if you need any help. Take care 🌺

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to GED57

I think you're right because I actually felt like having toast tonight. I am so grateful this site exists. I was so lonely before and now I know where to go if I get worried or just need to talk to someone who will know what I'm going through.

Thank you all so much.

xxx

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Coco25

I had mastectomy in 2011 and recall how I too just didn't want to eat. Its the shock of diagnosis I think. So don't worry you will eat when you get hungry enough! Its a scary time and your body is in shock. It does get easier. Hopefully you will get a breast nurse to talk to as well. Any help I can give just ask.

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to Cathy777

Thanks so much for your response. x

Maggie18 profile image
Maggie18

It's the stress , just try and eat food that you know is healthy and will help slow the cancer , no sugars no alcohol and eat tirmeric daily one spoon of powder in coconut oil and black pepper eat foods that are shown to slow growth of cancer . Mediterran diet is good so no processed food and berries and stones fruit , I felt then that although I lost my appetite the food was the start of my treatment . Green tea is great antioxidant . Foods rich in flavnoids like maluka honey and fresh fruit and veg raw if possible are better . I started Pilates and meditation as your mind set helps treatment and recovery . But also be kind to your self and slow life down talk to people like us support groups meet people and have a walk . Exercise helps recovery too . I imagined I was in a boat on a rocky journey but allowing people into my boat and allowing people to be living in the boat on stormy days bought peace and helped doescribe how I was feeling . I started a Facebook group so I could post of there for all my friends to see how I was feelsing if I needed company if I needed a Mel cooked if I wanted a walk if I had appt so people could come with me . This is the start of a journey of treatment but also the start of being free of the cancer . Take care and be mindful of the great things around you like family friends pets work ect . Any stresses leave them behind , my ex and my work I left behind and only now back at work and enjoying it xx

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to Maggie18

Excellent advice👍🏼

Thank you.

pickledtink profile image
pickledtink

This happens to me from time to time. It's a combination of shock and stress. The body goes into flight or fight mode so suppresses appetite. As long as you are eating something even if it's small snacks it will do you no harm. I'd make sure and take a good quality multi vitamin every day and.

I found times I simply couldn't face food at all and would cook , put it all together on a plate, look at it then scrape it straight into the bin! Not like me at all. I love nice food!

So I made myself mini meals which I could manage even if I didn't really enjoy it much.

Your appetite will come back. Don't worry. In the early stages of diagnosis your anxiety levels are through the roof. You have a lot to process right now. It turns your world upside down so go easy on yourself and don't try to 'be normal'. If you suddenly feel like making egg on toast or devouring a handful of chocolates or whatever at 4 in the morning just go with it.

x x

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to pickledtink

Thank you. 😎

Artemis-angel profile image
Artemis-angel

I think it's the shock that takes away your appetite I found bananas, soup etc good to eat. Good luck with your treatment plan, I wa diagnosed 7 years ago now and I am enjoying life

Mandywilson profile image
Mandywilson

Sorry to hear your news , I also last my appetite.. But I was encouraged to eat whatever I felt like or just something light .. Or at least drink .. Good luck xxxxx

haagr profile image
haagr

Hi Carmelita

What you are experiencing is very normal. This is a journey that no one wants to take and a club that no one wants to belong to. Each of us had been exactly where you are now.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 months ago. My appetite was gone as was any desire to shop for and prepare meals. Make it easy for yourself to eat without having to fuss. I tried to have preprepared take out foods in the house that I could heat up, microwave or eat cold. I ate many cheese, cold meat and peanut butter sandwiches. I also found that if someone else prepared the meal and put it in front of me I would be more likely to eat. I ate lots of snack and junk food as well.

Eat whatever you feel like eating. Stay hydrated. Although today it doesn't seem likely, you will eventually emerge from this and be able resume your life. Until then cut yourself some slack and do what you need to do to get through each day.

Sending you hugs and support from NYC

R

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to haagr

Thanks so much for your advice. 💕

I can totally relate; the same exactly happened to me. For a person who lived to eat and being tall and slender - food was never an issue. So not only was I getting my head around the news, I also seemed to be living in another body. It was an awful feeling, but honestly it DOES get better. It will be a bit of a roller coaster ride, but you will get through it.

It's our body telling us to make changes, but don't be too radical and make changes all at once as you will find it very difficult to keep up with it. Start by making small changes to your diet - no processed food, more fruit and veg and cut the sugar. You must remember that cancer is not a death sentence, it's just a wake-up call to change a little bit how you live xx.

EW03-03 profile image
EW03-03

Hi xx sorry too hear about your diagnosis ....... I reacted the same way. Just be gentle too yourself, and eat what you can. It is import too keep up your strength - remember that. I forced myself too eat what I was able too, and gradually got back too normal. Good luck with your treatment.

Elaine

carolinenailsea profile image
carolinenailsea

Carmelita

I too have very recently being diagnosed with breast cancer - it sends your mind spinning. My appetite has also reduced. Like the other posts, I dont think you should worry too much at this point - there is such a lot to get your head around and I am a confident its a blip. I have gone right off unhealthy food, booze, chocolate and biscuits which feels a good thing. Stay positive and optimistic. We will get through this.

BW Caroline

Iffette2 profile image
Iffette2

I have cancer and lost my appetite think it is the stress it puts on you

carolinenailsea profile image
carolinenailsea

Carmelita

Thinking of you and hoping you are doing ok. Caroline

Coco25 profile image
Coco25 in reply to carolinenailsea

Hi Carolinenailsea

Today is a much better day.

Thank you.

xx

carolinenailsea profile image
carolinenailsea in reply to Coco25

Hi Carmelita

Lovely to hear that you are feeling a little better today. One day a time as they say. Best wishes Caroline xx

I used meal replacement drinks and added things to them to make them more like smoothies. The dietician suggested adding powdered milk to things to add calories. Funnily enough I never had a problem with ice cream, all the best x

I suppose just the news alone could make you not want to eat. Times like that make me turn to ice cream. Not really the best choice but something is better then nothing.

boc13 profile image
boc13

When I was first diagnosed, I thought I was handling it all very well. Had mastectomy and a portion of my upper right lung removed. I lost 15 lbs. I had no appetite from the day of diagnosis. Eat whatever you want whenever you feel hungry. Don't worry right now about good food/bad food, just eat what you crave. You'll have plenty of time to go to a very healthy, organic diet after. Its the stress of what you are going through. About 6 months post surgery, my appetite started slowly coming back. I'm healthy now and my appetite came back and I put 10 of those lbs back on! Indulge yourself, take care of yourself, and try to stay stress-free if at all possible. You will eat normally, but for now just enjoy whatever makes you feel good. Blessings for a full and speedy recovery.

You may also like...

Insomnia with new brand of Tamoxifen

guess I hoped someone might have some advice? Going on a trip to UK next week and I dread being...

I'm new here and feeling blessed

me for the PRIMETIME trial but because I have bowel cancer this wasn't possible. After discussions...

I might have breast cancer...waiting on biopsy results

couldn't eat or sleep. My husband and I have been almost in a grieving period, already. I also have...

Tamoxifen v Acid Reflux

Hi All I have been clear from hormone related breast cancer for 3 years now. I am 62 & post...

Letrozole weight gain

now clear of breast cancer. however she has to take Letrozole for 5 years and she is really...