When my husband was diagnosed with leukemia, our world shifted overnight. Suddenly, words like chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and counts became part of our daily vocabulary. Life was no longer predictable. Every day depended on lab results, clinic visits, and how he was feeling.
Food — something once so ordinary — took on new weight. With a compromised immune system, every meal had to be safe. That meant no shortcuts, no guessing, no “just this once.” Each bite needed to be washed, cooked, handled with care. Some days, that responsibility felt overwhelming. I worried constantly: Am I feeding him what he needs? Is this safe? Will this help him feel stronger?
The cycles of treatment have their rhythm. Chemo days often bring fatigue, nausea, and appetite loss. Some days, food feels like the last thing he wants. Then there are the days following transfusions — when a bit of energy returns, when a meal can be savored again. Those are the days I cling to.
There have been hard nights when I’ve sat at the table alone, watching his untouched plate. And there have been bright evenings when we’ve shared a meal together and laughed like nothing had changed. Both are part of this journey.
What I’ve learned is that caregiving is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, spoon in hand, and offering love in the simplest of ways — through a bowl of soup, a carefully washed vegetable, or a small treat that feels normal in the middle of so much that isn’t.
If you, too, are walking through the reality of cancer treatments and restricted diets, please know you’re not alone. There will be ups and downs, but there will also be moments of light — and even at the table, hope has a place.
Caregiver Reflection Checklist
- Accept that appetite and energy will ebb and flow with treatment cycles.
- Celebrate “good meal” days without guilt on the harder ones.
- Make food safety part of your love language — it matters deeply.
- Hold onto small joys: a shared laugh, a clean plate, a moment of connection.
A Spoonful of Care 