We all come out the other side its just the process can be hard to believe it will happen but believe the chemo is working it helps. Each night I would hold where the tumour was and imagine the chemo killing it . Stay positive.
There is so much stuff on the internet and it can be a dangerous place to go at times. I had to be careful what I read as it brought me crashing down if I stumbled on something negative. I am still careful what I look up,
OK on diet there are all sorts of miracle cures etc, I think I have read most of them. I will try and sum it up briefly.
I tried to do an alkaline diet and tested my urine daily with an at home test (can send you more info on this if you are interested).
I ate cruciferous vegetables ie broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, kale daily (ok kale I couldnt do during chemo - yuck). I did eat red meat during chemo as I was concerned about iron levels (I had them checked and tested during chemo and all were good) I didnt want chemo delayed or cancelled if they fell. Now I limit red meat to once a week.
No dairy at all, used nuttelex (butter substitute) and almond milk
Limited gluten just to reduce any further inflammation during chemo, I had a very sensitive gut during chemo.
Lots of fruit and veg (organic where possible or wash well)
I made my own museli which gave me energy (can send recipe if you like)
Limit sugar (theory is cancer feeds off sugar). This was tricky as sometimes we just need a special treat especially during tough times so I would allow this once every 3 weeks. I now tend to make my own sweet treats. Can send you more info on that too.
Drink lots of water, mineral water (with lemon or lime - alkalising), chamomile tea, green tea. Thats all I drank, no fruit juice or sugary drinks.
No coffee - I drink coffee now but will limit again.So tired from radiation.
I took supplements:
For Gut (keep flushing out toxins during chemo and dead cancer cells -theory):
slippery elm (important to keep the gut and digestive system somehow working during chemo). Keep your bowels regular important to keep the toxins moving and out. Was a bit yuck and hard to do all the time during chemo when feeling sick.
Inner health powder (again for gut)
Vitamin B
Vitamin C (I was sick a lot during chemo but this helped). Careful of dosage too much interacts with chemo.
After chemo to recover I am taking inner health, vitamin b, vitamin c, vitamin e, magnesium (for aches) and garlic. Garlic is supposedly great for anti cancer and easy enough to take as a capsule.
I would take my vitamins into my oncologist for approval prior to taking as I didnt want anything interacting with the drugs and there are vitamins that can inhibit the drugs performance, so please check with your oncologist first.
I also had reflexology in the last week of a chemo cycle (so week before the next one was due). It helped my general aches and was relaxing. Other theories on how it works but I just saw as a way to help move the chemo through the body and relax. Had to steer clear of the liver spot on the foot. I didnt have any other massage as I didnt want any more pressure on the lymphatic system during chemo.
I saw a couple of naturopaths and got a few tips. I had a very sore mouth from the chemo and had a special solution made up from the naturopath which helped in the beginning. Mouth washes got the ok from my oncologist as long as I didnt swallow.
I didnt have the energy during chemo to make fresh juices but if you happen to have the energy good idea to do, or better yet get someone to do it for you. I just have a basic juicer and make juices daily now with veggies and fruits. I can send you recipes on these as well. But basically its an easy way for your body to digest the nutrients especially during chemo. I make kale, carrot, apple, celery, ginger, turmeric, beetroot.
Turmeric is an anti cancer spice which I try and include in juices or foods. I cant take it as a supplement as it interacts with tamoxifan which I am on (I also had estrogen and progesterone cancer 5%). Check with your oncologist.
I read a lot of books, can send you the list that I read. In fact I have one I could post to you on chemo. Its called chemo:secrets to thriving. It was a bit light hearted and a few tips, not worth really buying but I could give it to you. If you can figure out how to send me your address privately I can post to you. I am new at this blog.
I also reduced chemicals in the house and on me. My moisturiser of choice was and still is coconut oil (but not during radiation). Cleaning I just use 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle and use it for everything and some bicarb soda for scrubbing.
I liked this website: www.chrisbeatcancer.com. I made his cancer fighting salad quite a bit, not so much during chemo too hard to swallow but before and more after. Dont get too caught up in everything he preaches or says but there are some good tips. Look at this stuff when you feel strong, it got to me sometimes. But he talks about the acid/alkaline diet, no sugar, no processed etc.
You said you have lost weight already. I did too. I made an effort to eat up big when I could and felt like it so I had weight on me for the next round of chemo and enough weight to see me through to the end when it got harder to eat. I ate lots of veggie soups for lunch and dinner, I dont eat soup now :). I ate beef and veg casseroles or chicken and veg casseroles. I would treat myself to a meat and potato pie and a vanilla slice after each depressing visit to the oncologist. So worth it.
I did the diet and still do because for the same reason I felt like I could have some control over this and give my body the best chance to beat this and make sure the chemo worked. I wanted to prove them wrong for my son.
So if you want more info I can send it to you just let me know. Just keep eating simple eat food in its raw state I guess and plenty of it. Wash it down with lots of water.
