Episode 10 – Colon, Meet Cancer: Food Fight: The Impact of Cancer and Chemo on my Appetite

Another candid update from Ben Plumley on life with stage four colorectal cancer, focusing on one of the most under appreciated challenges of treatment: the daily battle to eat.

Treatment Update — Ben is continuing maintenance chemotherapy and awaiting a PET scan at the end of June. The goal is non-progression — holding the cancer steady — which counts as a win.

---

01:30 - The Food Fight — Ben breaks down why eating has become such a struggle, covering two main culprits: the cancer itself and the side effects of chemotherapy -which damages the digestive tract lining and causes nausea, taste changes, and mouth and jaw pain.

03:37 - Taste Changes Explained — Ben describes the layered impact on his senses: from persistent metallic taste, a sulfuric reaction to eggs and squash, to complete tastelessness , and to brights including orange juice and alpine milk chocolate.

09:29 - Cannabinoids as a Tool — After a referral through Kaiser’s infectious disease department, Ben has incorporated CBD tinctures into his routine.

13:56 - And on a genuinely uplifting note, Ben’s vegetable garden is thriving with fruit and vegetables - a reminder that the garden remains a vital source of calm and energy throughout his journey.

Hosted by Ben Plumley | A Shot in the Arm Media | Produced and directed by Erik Espera.

Join the Conversation!

If you or someone you know is living with cancer, share your experiences and thoughts in the comments!

Check Out Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Useful resources:

https://fightcolorectalcancer.org

https://colontown.org

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health news.