Hi we are grandparents to a 5 year old on 3 rd round of chemo. We are going to a picnic tomorrow and a boat trip arranged by a local charity. Have you got suggestions about what food to take ? He used to love pesto pasta but I’m not sure it will be safe. Thank you
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Hi @Liz57 and welcome to the forum.
I was sorry to read about your 5 year old grandchild having chemotherapy and an ALL diagnosis That must be incredibly difficult for you all.
My diagnosis was with a rare blood cancer called Myelofibrosis.
One of the side effects of some chemotherapy can be low levels of neutrophils which are part of the white blood count.
When my neutrophils are low I was told I was neutropenic. From my non medical perspective I understood that I was at a higher risk of infection.
What I was told to avoid was salad unless it was prepared at home. Also pepper even if in a sealed packet.
Maybe something simple like a sandwich with a basic filling. I remember ham, egg mayonnaise and cheese being fairly regular offerings when I was in the Chemotherapy area or on the Ward.
Cake and chocolate might be an option too
I hope that helps and I’m sure others will share thoughts.
In the meantime this link from Blood Cancer UK might help
Take care and enjoy the picnic and boat trip
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Hello there @Liz57, welcome to the forum. Thank you for this query, it shows real care for your grandchild and the others attending the picnic.
I hope the great tips @DuncanB offered aren’t too late, and I would add that perhaps the charity have arranged all the suitable food already. You’re wise to check through as I’ve heard about certain foods not being as safe to eat when neutropenic, if your grandson has lower neutrophils.
Here’s a handy list based on Blood Cancer UK research noting higher risk foods: Eating safely with neutropenia | Blood Cancer UK
If you’d like to speak with the Blood Cancer UK nurses you might catch them before the picnic, their free number is 0808 2080 888.
Hope you have a fun, safe time @Liz57!
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@Liz57 I’m sorry to hear about your grandson and so lovely to see you are so caring towards him 
your question has raised a few questions for me too! @DuncanB @Ceri_BloodCancerUK @BloodCancerUK-SupportTeam @BloodCancerUK_Nurses_Group
I’m day +37 from Stem cell transplant with multiple myeloma, I was discharged day 14 with neuts 3.5 saw my consultant last week who was still happy with bloods and neuts still 3.5, I will have a phone consult in 5 weeks and a blood test a few days before, then see her in 9 weeks after bone marrow biopsy, regarding neutropenia- how would I know in the meantime if I had this? 
and do I need to know them before I do things, eat out? I have permission to go out and live, under Covid precautions really, my daughter wants to bring me a McDonald’s at the weekend, is that safe? There’s a 10 minute drive from picking it up to bringing it to me, I’ve read all good should be piping hot and no salads or sauces? And no ice cream from machines? Also pepper?? As Duncan mentioned, no pepper, why is that and is it just for the 100 day? 
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Hi bb
Your neutrophils are doing well at 3.4
Mine have never gone any higher than 1.9 for contrast
They have to be under 1.0 to be neutropenic
I use to get a fillet of fish from MD well I didn’t my kids did
No salad stuff in that
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Hello @Liz57 & @Byrnebaby
I can see that others have already replied with some great responses, and I just wanted to add to what’s been said.
Regarding pepper, herbs and spices, our Eating Well with Blood Cancer booklet notes on page 34 that pre-packed, sealed packages of black pepper, dried herbs, spices and other seasonings are a safer alternative than loose pepper, herbs or spices sold from farms or market stalls.
The booklet also advises choosing undamaged fruit and vegetables, including raw fruit, vegetables and salads, and to wash all fruit and vegetables before eating, including pre-packed salads, even if they are labelled as ready-washed.
In terms of eating out or having a takeaway brought to you, major food chains will generally have high standards of food hygiene. If you have any concerns about specific menu items, preparation methods or food storage, it’s always worth checking directly with the restaurant team. Also inform your haematology team so that they can let you know if this is something they would advise against.
If you do have takeaway food or food that is prepared at home, it’s best to eat it while it’s freshly prepared and hot. Our booklet advises not reheating food more than once, and it’s generally best to avoid reheating rice or takeaway food, as harmful bacteria can sometimes survive the reheating process. I can’t think of any reason why pesto pasta would be unsafe to take for a picnic.
It’s also worth noting that the booklet advises avoiding foods made from unpasteurised milk, such as soft goat’s cheese and unpasteurised ice cream. Instead, pasteurised milk, cream and ice cream are considered safer options. If you’re thinking about having soft ice cream from a machine, it’s a good idea to check the food hygiene rating of the shop or van first.
It can also be helpful to stick to places with good food hygiene standards. You can check a venue’s food hygiene rating here: https://ratings.food.gov.uk.
Do both take care and @Liz57 enjoy the picnic and @Byrnebaby hope you are able to enjoy a McDonald’s!
Warm wishes,
Emma (Support Services Nurse)
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Thanks @Emma_BloodCancerUK are most of these precautions forever now? Or just the 100 days?
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Hi @Byrnebaby
I see that @Emma_BloodCancerUK has provided some excellent advice and you have had some really insightful comments from @2DB
I personally would go and check the Hygiene rating for the McDonald’s where your daughter will get the food on the Food Standards Agency website
Your Neutrophils seem fine so risk would be low.
The only concern I would have around the salad is that it’s probably prepared in advance and so potentially a small risk of bacteria.
That said its all about balance so if you really fancy it then why not.
On time between blood tests, an increase in times between them is definitely a positive.
It’s an indicator that they are happy with how things are progressing at this time.
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Thank you Duncan, he has Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. I hope it is going well with your treatment. In the end I made a simple cheese sandwich as late as possible and used a cool bag. The picnic and boat trip was really uplifting . He was able to play with other children in a big field - and it was a very happy day.
Thank you for the useful link too
Many thanks
Liz
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Hi @Liz57
I’m delighted to read that the picnic and boat trip were uplifting and your grandson had a very happy day.
I had my diagnosis October 2023 and was fortunate to have the opportunity to have a Bone Marrow Transplant April 2025 thanks to an anonymous donor.
Right now the only ongoing thing other than some medication is Venesections to reduce the level of iron in my blood.
This is as result of a lot of blood transfusions during treatment and the Transplant itself.
That said so grateful to have a second chance at life 
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I can see you have been given lots of great advice and information. I hope you have a really wonderful day. Please let us know how it goes x
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I hope you all have a lovely day together. 
As long as the food is kept well chilled in a cool bag with ice packs, I’d have thought simple favourites like cooked chicken, cheese, wraps, pasta (if it’s been stored properly), fruit that can be peeled, crackers and individually wrapped snacks would all be worth considering. If pesto pasta is one of his favourites and you’ve been told it’s okay for him generally, keeping it properly refrigerated should help, but if you’re unsure it’s always best to check with his oncology team as they’ll know if he has any specific food restrictions while on chemotherapy.
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How did the picnic go @Liz57?
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It was lovely . There was a boat trip as well. It was great to see him playing with other children outside - But bloods not good today so he’s having a transfusion just now. He’s still cheery though
Thank you for asking x
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I’m glad you had a lovely day and hope the blood transfusion gets things back on track x
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