...and a host of other things I'd never previously expected to "enjoy"!
A couple of cycles ago, I pretty much lost my sense of taste (not smell, thankfully) and as a consequence, at least in part, my appetite. So all those things I used to enjoy; good red wine, roast lamb, chocolate (well, I can still force that down!), cheese, bread and jam now have no effect on my taste buds whatsoever. :-(
But, and this is the bizarre thing, other foods I'd never dreamed of eating have become central to my diet because they do have "taste" :-) even if they are so "left field". The last time I had Ovaltine was as a child - now it's become a staple source of energy, and not just before bed. Pineapple juice or sparking lemon are now great "complements" to main meals (such a change from claret!). And where would I be without rice pudding (cold, of course!), let alone "full fat" cola and cup-a-soups!
Coping with this change, particularly since it took 4 or 5 cycles to "kick in" and was co-incident with a lose in weight has been a challenge, but Diana has been magnificent in coaxing and goading me into a routine, keeping me at or above my daily calorie target, such that I have put back on some of the weight I'd lost.
These changes are of course expected cumulative consequences of the treatment and I count myself lucky that I do still enjoy some parts of my diet - not just these odd things, but very simple things like sparkling water (some therapies even make water hard to drink); it has been a deep challenge I now see I could not have understood before it happened.
Oh, and it remains true that Japanese green tea is the best drink in the world!
Cancer treatments seem to have the oddest side effects. I'm glad you're keeping your spirits up despite them!
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ReplyDeleteIan, Louise and I have only just today heard the news of your health. Reading your blog leaves us both laughing and crying ! As always you inspire me with your attitude and intellect. Sorry to break it to you but Canada has just banned the use of Ovaltine ! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/canada/10594217/Canada-bans-sale-of-Irn-Bru-Marmite-and-Ovaltine.html
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine your response to this article !
Louise and I send our love and prayers from Canada. We've had some great times working together at IBM and I will always be grateful for all the help you've provided me over the years.