Cochise Oncology

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What are the Best Foods to Eat After Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a powerful tool against cancer, but it can cause significant stress on your body. You need extra nutrition to take care of yourself, but you may also have side effects that make it difficult to eat enough. The best foods to eat during chemotherapy pack plenty of nutrition in mild, easy-to-eat forms.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses chemicals to fight the growth and spread of cancer cells. These treatments work in many different ways. Many chemotherapy agents target various stages of cell division. Rapidly dividing cells, especially cancer cells, are affected by this treatment. However, fast-dividing cells in your skin, digestive system, and other areas are also affected.

What are the Best Foods to Eat After Chemotherapy?

Many people find eating during chemotherapy difficult. You may feel nauseous, have no appetite, or have mouth sores that make eating uncomfortable. We recommend that you eat any nutritious foods that appeal to you. This list can help you decide what to add or remove from your diet, but always listen to your body.

Foods to Eat

Eggs in any form, especially when made without butter or oil
Oatmeal, lightly flavored or plain
Whole grain breats
Vegetable, chicken, or other broth
Nuts and seeds
Vegetables
Lean meat like chicken or fish
Beans and legumes

Foods to Avoid

Chemotherapy can affect your immune system. You should avoid eating foods that could possibly carry food-borne illnesses. These include:

Foods made with raw or undercooked eggs
Sushi or undercooked fish
Unwashed fruits or vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells by affecting the process of cell division. This affects all the cells in your body that are dividing frequently. This includes cancer cells, but can also include your hair, bone marrow, or digestive system. Chemotherapy drugs can work in several different ways, including:

Agents that damage the DNA of cancer cells to keep them from dividing
Agents that cause cancer cells to build malfunctioning DNA
Agents that block key enzymes cells need to make copies of their DNA
Agents that inactivate proteins cancer cells need to grow and divide

Chemotherapy agents can also work in many other ways. The rapid pace of cancer cell growth makes them a target for drugs that hinder this process. As a result, chemotherapy can shrink tumors, stop the development of new cancer cells, and prevent cancer from spreading.

How Effective is Chemotherapy?

The effectiveness of chemotherapy depends on several factors. Each person will respond to treatment differently, and each person’s cancer cells have unique genetic changes that affect how well the treatment works. If you have questions about what to expect from chemotherapy, make sure to ask your doctor at Cochise Oncology.

Testimonials

*Individual Results May Vary

★★★★★ 5/5

At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.