Food

[Erebuni]

Hi ladies.I have a question, what is the best food to eat when in Avastin infusion?

[Lyndy]

Do you mean when you are there in the chair? Avastin didn’t take very long as I recall... if I was there over lunch they used to bring round cheese sarnis. I think I took the end of chemo to start eating a better diet ( dropping the carb heavy chemo fare) so when possible I ate salad and fruit... also helped get the digestive system back on track. Best of luck xx

[mrstadpole in reply to Lyndy]

I think I was only there about 30mins in total. My diet was just a normal one during Avastin.I ate a lot less when having Chemo.xx

[Georgiatec]

I’m currently having Avastin every 3 weeks. My diet is normal and the treatment only takes 30 minutes. However you have a blood test and urine before treatment, and before the Avastin can start, your blood results have to come back. This often delays the start of treatment. But it’s quicker than chemotherapy!

Best of luck xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Erebuni. Because Avastin isn't actual chemo (it's a maintenance drug only), you should be able to eat as normal but of course we're all inclined to be different. However, when I was on real chemo (with Avastin too) & I asked my onc what are the best foods to eat, he said "whatever you can". So there you have it. Of course, I think we all know the better foods to choose if we can but it's not really a thing you need to worry about.

As for how long you're likely to be in the chair, when I was on the trial, It was 20 mins for the infusion, but when I came off the trial (and no real chemo), it was reduced to only 10 mins.

Usually I'm at the hospital for the morning. First I see my oncologist, then I go for my infusion, the avastin has to be physically made up, which is often delayed for various reasons. Hospitals always seem to have hold-ups.

I have not often hold-ups, so I hope it's the same for you. I have very few side effects - I hope that's the same for you too. Best wishes, Pauline.

[Twinning]

I have been on Avastin since July, infusion alone since September. As stated by others, no special diet is needed, but I do experience joint pain as a side effect. According to research, inflammation can do aggravated when eating red meats, sugar, fried foods, refined carbs (white bread and such), processed meats and lard. I am trying to follow a more Mediterranean diet that consists of fatty fish, nuts, fruits (especially strawberries, blueberries, cherries and oranges), nuts, leafy greens and tomatoes. These fight inflammation. And it doesn’t hurt that these are healthy, great tasting foods!

I hope the Avastin does it job! It really is an easy morning (with my port) and gives me peace of mind for now.

[carolleigh]

I read all the materials about diet and cancer. I changed my diet and lost 120 pounds. My doc has a nutritionist on staff. They told me no or less dairy but if so, only organic. They said only organic meat. I read about anti-oxidant food and eat that. Now I am actually on keto and my doctor likes that... not because of avastin, just to (ideally) stay in remission. They will keep me on Avastin for a year he said. I am not sure if I have side effects... or if I just have a few health problems.