Emma B's story

When I found out I had cancer, I had to change my attitude to eating. With the amount of chemotherapy I was having, there was a risk I could lose a lot of weight – so I was encouraged to eat anything I wanted, when I wanted.

A dietitian gave me advice about getting extra calories, including eating proteins and adding butter and cream to my food.

I was also constipated a lot, so I introduced more fibre into my diet. I got tips off the nurses, and it was trial and error. I tried prune juice, fresh figs, apples and potatoes with their skins on. I learnt that broccoli was really effective!

I was depleted in a lot of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. I was low on potassium, so I made sure I had plenty of bananas and tomatoes in my diet.

I drank at least two litres of water every day. It’s become second nature now, plus I’ve got a refillable water bottle that helps me keep track of what I’m drinking.

Smoothies were great if I couldn’t cope with the bitterness of fruit or was too tired to chew. I would get a load of frozen fruit and sometimes add spinach or peanut butter. That was a good breakfast option and a way to get those calories in.

I also made things as convenient as possible. Why put a pan on when you can just put your broccoli in the microwave and steam it?

My favourite cookbook was Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients because it’s so simple. We’d usually have at least a couple of the ingredients in the cupboard already.

If I was preparing a meal when I was tired, I would sit and chop veg at the dining table, so I didn’t waste energy standing up. This was my little way of helping my partner Nathan, as he did so much for me during treatment.

I went off tea, coffee and sugary foods – I just didn’t fancy them. But I really craved savoury stuff.  

The nausea was there quite a lot, but I tried to eat something even if I felt sick. It would normally settle it down a little bit.

I was lucky that Nathan would cook for us. Even if I didn’t have the energy or desire to eat, if he made us something and put it in front of me, I could pick away at it.

I also had mucositis, which made it difficult to put anything in my mouth, never mind swallow it. Smoothies came in handy, and pineapple was also soothing.

I’m a bit of a foodie, so if I couldn’t eat, I did feel it. When I felt down, I allowed myself to wallow for a bit and then coaxed myself out of it. I’d give myself a shake and think, “What can I do to change this mindset and feel better?”

Sometimes seeing Nathan struggle with it pulled me out of it, because I thought, “OK, he’s struggling, I’ve got to throw him a bone.”

Having a routine really helps me – not eating too late in the evening, controlling my portion sizes and eating till I’m just comfortable. Three meals a day suits my routine or, if I feel sluggish, I’ll have a healthy snack – an apple, a banana or some nuts. I buy a big tub of fruit and nut and put a little handful in a box to graze on.

I finished treatment 12 months ago and have got a more balanced approach to eating now. Nothing’s off the table – it’s all about having everything in moderation.

When I eat, I try to think about the nutritional value of the meal. What am I getting out of it? Has it got plenty of protein in it? Has it got plenty of nutrients? But I still take a relaxed approach when it suits me – I had a pizza last night!

Janssen-Cilag Ltd has supported Blood Cancer UK with funding for the production of this web page and others within the ‘Living well’ section. It had no influence over the content.