Topic: Fresh Fruits & Veggies with Chemo

sdreyer,

The thinking is that fresh fruits and veggies can contain bacteria that might not cause a problem in "normal" people but could cause serious illness in someone on chemo.  There is a period during each chemo "cycle" when the immune system is depressed because of the effects of chemo on the bone marrow.  Everybody is advised to stay away from crowds and sick people and anything that could be a source of infection during that time.

It's my impression that fruits and veggies with skin (bananas, oranges, etc.) may be OK, because the skin can be removed and the pulp underneath is usually not contaminated. I've also assumed that other fruits and veggies would be OK if they can be peeled (apples, tomatoes, carrots), but that might not be true if they're eaten raw.  Sometimes bacteria in soil and water can enter the vascular system of plants and be carried right up into the pulp itself. 

Of course, I can't imagine why a fresh fruit or veggie that has been cooked thoroughly would cause any problems.  At least, it shouldn't be any worse than canned or frozen fruits and veggies.  For that matter, I'd be a lot more concerned about commercially packaged and frozen stuff than local farmer's market stuff anyway, as long as it's cooked.

Think about the kinds of foods that have been implicated in the E. coli outbreaks--fresh lettuce, spinach, those pre-packaged salad mixes.  Those can't be cooked or washed adequately to remove the contaminants, so I think they would be a big problem.

This is awful, but it is temporary. 

otter 

I asked my oncologist about this before I started chemo.  She said that for those who do very intensive chemo and/or for an extended period of time, their immune systems do become compromised and it's a good idea to avoid raw veggies and fruits that can't be peeled.  However, if it's just going to be a short chemo regiment (in my case I'm just doing 4 sessions of A/C, but I think that even a more typical 8-12 sessions would fall into this category) the risks aren't as great -- especially if you are having the injections to boost white blood count at the same time.  My onc advised me to follow the same precautions that are recommended during pregnancy -- no sushi or undercooked meats, no soft cheeses like brie, and plenty of handwashing.

Good idea to talk to the nutritionist.  If you learn anything new please let us know!

In the chemo class I went to it was melons and food that grew under ground that was to be handled very carefully. It needed to be washed thoroughly, especially the rind of melons. When cutting, the dirt on the melons could end up contaminating the inside. I lived on summer fruits last summer, especially watermelons. I was very careful to scrub them clean. My taste was so off at times that vegetables were not a favorite for quite a while.

Linda

One other aspect of this is that the processed fruits and vegetables may have less fiber and may reduce the diahrea side effect of chemo. Something to look into.

I think the big thing is to use extreme caution and especially when her counts start to drop after each tx.  I never had a reaction to fruits and veggies, but washed, and used mostly peeled and or canned/frozen stuff.  BUT, I never had my counts go down below the 2.1 mark, so I was not really compromised as far as many do.  Talk to the nutritionist and get something from them.  I'm sure they've dealt with enough of this to guide you through it.  The problem lies in that one with a compromised immune system as with cancer tx, will not only pick up a bug quicker and easier, but their recovery will be longer and can have complications a normal person would never have.  Good Luck to your mom..... Remember too, that if she isn't eating right to push smoothies and things that DO SOUND good to her, regardless of nutritional value.  Fluids are VERY important and calories of any sort when you are fighting SE's.  Smaller portions more often help a great deal the first week after each tx especially.

I was told to watch how much I consume do to having too many antioxidants.  The chemo is trying to kill everything off and if you add too many antioxidants you are making it weaker.  I juice three to four pieces of fruit every day and eat one piece of fruit every day.  I would feel sicker if i did not do this....mentally i need my fruit to grow strong.  I would advise with caution do not over do anything.  Good luck

Aw, now you've gone and made me hungry!  At least the Hershey's kisses weren't on any of the "forbidden" lists I saw.

otter 

I was told only fruits or veggies that I can either peel or cook. It's a pretty simple rule of thumb that way.

Wintermoon623, it seems like it would be OK once your white count (ANC) goes back up.  That depends on the type of chemo you're getting, and some other variables.  Might be around 2 weeks after your last dose, but you should probably call your onco or onco nurse just to be sure.

I know what you mean.  I could just kill for some fresh raspberries! 

otter

Hi

I was told last week to not eat raw food or fruits and vegetables from restaraunts during the low part of cycle days 10-12, only eat cooked food. That was all but caution is important so trust your instincts don't eat what worries you. Lots of fresh fruits and veges can be peeled so don't frustrate yourself if you are concerned or buy frozen berries for angel food cake. Having worked in restaurants I can tell you that you probably will clean food at home better because you customize the process and can control contamination better. W

Up date on fruits and vegetables. My chemo pharmiscist reccommended cooked fruits and veges or frozen  or canned because they could be prepared under higher standards. If you choose fresh, peel them, wash hands again and fruit again before eating or double wash prewashed  veges. The skins hold the pesticides which wiil stay on your hand if you don't wash after discarding peels. W

Up date on fruits and vegetables. My chemo pharmiscist reccommended cooked fruits and veges or frozen  or canned because they could be prepared under higher standards. If you choose fresh, peel them, wash hands again and fruit again before eating or double wash prewashed  veges. The skins hold the pesticides which wiil stay on your hand if you don't wash after discarding peels. W