How can I increase my appetite during cancer treatment?

When i worked n a hospital we gave patients marinol, which was synthetic thc (marijuana). This was over 20 yrs ago. It worked for many

When I was 1st diagnosed withj stage 4 non Hodgkin's large B cell lymphoma, I had lost almost 40 pounds & the Dr put me in the hospital for a week. After the 1st chemo in the hospital, my appetite started to come back. My wife fixed me a Boost everyday with something called Benecalorie and some half and half. She said she wanted to fatten me up. The dietician said eat what you like and don't worry about the calories. Even though you may not feel hungry, try to eat something. Even a milk shake or a dessert you like. Get those calories in you. I'm in remission now & back up to normal weight. Just trying to get my energy & balance back to normal. Good luck 🍀

Appetite challenges during treatment are incredibly common, and there are several options that many find helpful. Medications like megestrol acetate (Megace) and dronabinol are sometimes prescribed specifically for appetite stimulation, though it's important to discuss these with your oncology team since they'll know what works best with your specific treatment plan. Many in the community have also found success with smaller, frequent meals and nutrient-dense foods when appetite is low - hopefully others here can share what approaches have worked for them.