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Before we dive in, please remember: I’m not a medical doctor, oncologist, or cancer specialist. I’m just a fellow breast cancer patient who’s walked through this difficult experience—including treatment with the powerful chemotherapy known as the Red Devil—and I’m here to share what helped me. Everyone’s situation is different, so please consult your medical providers to figure out what’s right for you.
When I was first diagnosed with Stage 2, hormone-positive breast cancer, I had so many questions—especially about chemotherapy. I wanted to know what to expect, how to prepare, and what little things might make the experience more manageable.
One of the biggest questions I had was: What should I eat during chemo? I searched blog posts and forums, hoping to find a simple list of suggestions from someone who had actually been there. So, this post is exactly what I wished I had found—what I ate during my first four chemotherapy treatments, which included the infamous “Red Devil” (Adriamycin), which I received every two weeks.
A Quick Note on Side Effects and Prevention
Thankfully, my side effects were mostly manageable thanks to my anti-nausea medications (I highly recommend taking those as often as you can according to the prescription to keep the nausea under control!) and Senokot (which helped with the constipation caused by those same anti-nausea meds—fun, right?). Drinking enough water, including chia seeds & prunes, and taking daily walks also helped me with the constipation.
My nurses gave me otter pops to suck on during the actual infusion of the Red Devil (ice chips would work as well). This is supposed to help reduce the risk of mouth sores, and I’m grateful to say I didn’t develop any. My doctor also recommended rinsing my mouth with a mixture of baking soda and salt in water a couple of times each day as a preventative measure. I kept a small bottle of the rinse in the bathroom and made it part of my daily routine.
During the Chemotherapy Infusion
On infusion days, I kept things simple. I ate a good meal before my appointment. I often brought:
- A high-protein bar (look for one with at least 15–20g of protein and low added sugar)
- A protein muffin made from the Kodiak brand mixes (because sometimes you just want a little comfort food)
- A cut up apple with peanut butter or carrots with hummus
Some people can’t eat at all during chemo infusions, but I found having something familiar and satisfying helped keep me calm and distracted along with a computer to watch movies and the occasional nap.
My Three Priorities Between Red Devil Treatments
Between infusions, I focused on three things:
- Hydration
- Movement
- Protein
Let me break those down a bit more:
Hydration: Making Water Work for Me
Drinking enough water has never been easy for me, but I knew staying hydrated would be essential for helping my body flush out toxins and bounce back between treatments. After my first infusion, I bought a couple of 40-ounce ThermoFlask bottles at Costco and made it my goal to drink at least 60 ounces per day. Some days I hit it, and some days I didn’t—but I tried!
After my second Red Devil treatment, water started tasting a bit off. That’s when I started adding flavor: lemon slices, electrolyte powders, or even a splash of juice. And ice—always ice. Cold water went down much easier.
Movement: Walking Toward Recovery
Before starting chemo, I read a lot about how light exercise can help your body recover more quickly and reduce fatigue. So even on the tired days (especially the first few days after treatment), I tried to go for a couple of short walks outside. My husband was super helpful about helping me get out even when I didn’t want to go.
The first walks were slow—think “shuffle around the block” slow—but they helped me feel like I was doing something positive for my body. As I got further from the treatment day, the walks got longer and a bit faster. It wasn’t a marathon, but it was movement, and it helped physically and mentally.
Food and Nutrition: Realistic, Gentle, and Protein-Focused
Let’s be honest—eating during the Red Devil chemo can be unpredictable. What sounds good one day might make your stomach turn the next. One meal might be totally fine in the moment and then completely off-limits the next day.
Also be aware that chemo can change your taste buds. For me, that meant that beef tasted horrible (this is quite common) and I couldn’t handle anything too spicy.
Before I started treatment, someone recommended stocking up on easy to digest foods like Cream of Wheat and Cup of Noodles. I also made sure to have:
- Saltine crackers
- Tuna packets
- Annie’s mac and cheese cups
- High-protein microwave meals
- High-protein oatmeal packets
- Cottage cheese
- High-protein yogurt (I like Siggi’s)
- Soup (especially broth-based)
- Frozen high-protein waffles
- Soft fruit (like bananas, applesauce)
I was incredibly grateful to have friends bring meals for my husband and five kids who were home. Sometimes I could eat the meals they brought, and sometimes I couldn’t. Occasionally, I could eat the food the day it was delivered but not the leftovers the next day. That’s why it was so helpful to have backup options ready.
I used the day before my chemo treatment to do any food prep and go to the store to make sure I had a few microwavable freezer meals and other things to get me through several days.
Protein is essential during chemotherapy to help repair tissues and maintain strength. That said—be gentle with yourself. There were meals when ice cream was the only thing I could stomach, and you know what? That was okay. Sometimes you just need calories.
Some of My Go-To Meals and Snacks
Here are some easy, manageable meals and snacks that worked for me during those first four “Red Devil” treatments. I rotated them based on how I felt and what food aversions popped up. My biggest food aversions were beef and anything spicy. I do suggest having something to eat before you get out of bed to help settle your stomach (and please take your anti nausea medication!). I had a wonderful husband who made sure I had breakfast by my side before he left for work. That way I had time to eat and get up slowly.
I know that some of these suggestions are in the category of “highly processed foods.” You have to do what works for your situation. During chemo, I will always say you have to do your best….don’t worry about perfection.
Breakfast (or Snack):
- Kodiak waffles + 2 scrambled eggs
- Kodiak waffles + peanut butter,
- Oatmeal packet + Siggi yogurt + chia seeds
- Siggi yogurt + granola + chia seeds + fruit
- 2 hard-boiled eggs mashed on whole wheat toast
Lunch/Dinner:
- Suddenly Salad + tuna pouch
(This was a weirdly perfect combo for me) - Annie’s Microwave Mac & Cheese + frozen peas
- Baked sweet potato + cottage cheese + shredded chicken (so good)
- Turkey sandwich on toast
Snacks:
- Hummus + tortilla chips or baby carrots
- Peanut butter energy balls
- Sliced apple + peanut butter
- Almonds + dried cranberries
- Popcorn
- Kodiak muffins (protein-packed and easy to make ahead)
- Costco acai bowls + chia seeds
- Smoothie (berries, spinach, protein powder, banana)
- Nachos (tortilla chips + refried beans + cheese + cottage cheese + salsa)
Final Thoughts about the Red Devil: Be Kind to Yourself
If you’re about to start chemotherapy, especially the “Red Devil,” you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. I hope this post gives you some ideas, reassurance, and permission to not be perfect.
Yes, nutrition matters. But so does comfort. So does energy. So does survival.
Some days you’ll hit all your hydration and protein goals. Other days, you’ll eat ice cream for lunch and call it good. Either way—you’re doing great.
Prepare as best you can. Stock your pantry. Ask for help. Move when you can. Rest when you need to.
And remember—you’re not alone.
Other Chemo Tips
- Wear clothing that make it easy to access your port. I had chemo during the summer and had a few short sleeved shirts with buttons down the front that I wore. If you are doing chemo during colder weather I would wear layers that make your port easily accessible.
- I figured out that I could ask for an extra bag of saline in order to help me stay hydrated. My nurses told me it can help with nausea and helps protect the kidneys. I honestly don’t know if it made a difference because I just asked for it every time.
- You can get up and use the bathroom during chemo treatment. Just let your nurse know and she can stop the pump….you just get to take your pole with you.
- Don’t be alarmed when you pee after getting the Red Devil…it will be red. Nobody warned me about that and it took me by surprise!
You’ve Got This!
If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with someone else starting chemo. It always helps to know you are not alone.
A gentle reminder: Early detection saves lives. Please make breast health a priority—schedule your regular mammograms and talk to your doctor about any concerns. If something feels off, don’t wait. My cancer was found during a routine screening. Encourage the women you love to do the same.
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