Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Belinda, I not only had breast cancer but was a diabetic also. I just continued eating a balanced diet. I read a copy of a cookbook in my Oncologists office called 'Eating Well Through Cancer " by Holly Clegg and Gerald Miletello, MD. It is just a good basic cookbook with LOT " S of suggestions on eating healthy and dealing with side effects. I bought a used copy off Amazon and have really enjoyed the book. It has food suggestions for pre-chemo, during chemo, low white counts, etc. I have made several of the recipes they have in there. Look into it, it may be what you need too. HUGS! Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Hi Belinda, I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other cells. I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A combination PET/CT is preferred. I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as certain mushrooms. The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and what has been researched. take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Hi Belinda, My onc and dr told me to eat what tasted good as chemo can sometimes give you a metallic taste in your mouth. They said weight gain could be dealt with afterwards. I had 6 mo of chemo (12 treatments) no radiation or reconsturction. I had one bad node out of 23 and given a 60% chance the cancer would come back. It will be 17 yrs May 24. I will keep you in my prayers that you make the decision that is right for you. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Pre-Chemo Nutrition? I am surprised by the way some doctors try to run you through this " treatment " system without addressing what I think are some important points. Nutrition for what they plan to put us through primarily. I am 44 and was diagnosed in Dec and had a lumpectomy/sentinal node mapping on Jan 16. The tumor was removed with excellent margins and it had not spread to the lymphs. It was er/pr positive, her2 negative. I thought, great, radiation and " we'll see " about anything else. (My mom had cancer 35 years ago when she was 28, my maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer when she was 39, as well as numerous great-aunts with b/c, so for me, it was never a question of " if " but " when. " ) At the first meeting with my first onco, she starts going on about chemo and blah blah, because I did not hear anything after that. After some discussion, we decided to do oncogene testing--which she said would give a better indication for recurrence rate--and a PET scan. At the follow-up, she said that the oncogene test results came back with a " very low " (still trying to get a copy of that) number, meaning the recurrence rate is low. The PET scan, in her opinion, showed " inconclusive " results--the lab attributes a gray spot (not hot spot) in the lymph area to the recent surgery, she attributes it to possible cancer that should be treated with chemo. I asked her couldn't we just surgically remove the one node in question (it appears to be the one the needle biopsied in Dec) and THEN decide about chemo if it came back with cancer in it. Her response was that surgery was a radical way to go. MY response was " And chemo's not? " At that point she saw I was not just signing up for the standard program and suggested I get a second opinion. And I am doing that next week. I asked her, and one other doctor, that going on the assumption that I *DO* need chemo, are there any dietary changes or recommendations I should start beforehand to ensure my immune system is as strong as it can be. Surprisingly, the response was " We don't recommend people who will be going through chemo make any lifestyle changes as chemo will be enough of a lifestyle change. " I just keep thinking that if a doc could say " make sure you eat every day, " it might actually make the chemo EASIER to deal with. I don't understand why this is not addressed as part of the solution. Or is it just these two docs don't address it? Actually, at this very point, I am considering no chemo, no radiation and no drugs. Just getting on with my life. Getting sick and dealing with side-effects of all these DRUGS to MAYBE not deal with something that MIGHT happen sounds like using a tank to crack a nut when there's a nutcracker handy. Sorry for the long post. This is my first one. And in re-reading it, I see there's no point. So my point is: Has anyone done anything nutritionally to make the treatment process easier? (Not herbal, as I understand these can really mess things up!) Best!! Belinda ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.2/692 - Release Date: 2/18/2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Val-- Thank you. I sometimes forget how lucky I am to only be dealing with one health issue. I think that's why my frustration got to an all new high this week--I am not used to spending so many hours each week at various dr appointments. I think brings up a good point--there's got to be nutritionists who specialize in this. I'm all for doing what I can in my own treatment. Thanks for the tip on the book. I'm going to check it out. Blessings, Belinda > > > Belinda, > > I not only had breast cancer but was a diabetic also. I just continued > eating a balanced diet. I read a copy of a cookbook in my Oncologists > office called 'Eating Well Through Cancer " by Holly Clegg and Gerald > Miletello, MD. It is just a good basic cookbook with LOT " S of > suggestions on eating healthy and dealing with side effects. I bought a > used copy off Amazon and have really enjoyed the book. It has food > suggestions for pre-chemo, during chemo, low white counts, etc. I have > made several of the recipes they have in there. Look into it, it may be > what you need too. > > HUGS! > > Val > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 -- THANK YOU! I never even thought to seek counsel from a nutritionist-- much less look for one specializing in (anti) cancer diets! My mission for next week...I'll let you all know what I find out! Blessings, Belinda > > Hi Belinda, > > I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on > nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are > not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize > in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are > books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. > > There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to > admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer > tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with > radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than > other cells. > > I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A > combination PET/CT is preferred. > > I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as > certain mushrooms. > > The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and > what has been researched. > > take care, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 nne-- Thank you. That's sort of what one of my coworkers said--I might not want to eat what is on the " best foods " list as I go through chemo. brought up a good point--perhaps there are nutritionists that specialize in the guidance I am looking for! Blessings, Belinda > > Hi Belinda, > My onc and dr told me to eat what tasted good as chemo can sometimes give you a metallic taste in your mouth. They said weight gain could be dealt with afterwards. > > I had 6 mo of chemo (12 treatments) no radiation or reconsturction. I had one bad node out of 23 and given a 60% chance the cancer would come back. It will be 17 yrs May 24. I will keep you in my prayers that you make the decision that is right for you. > Hugs > nne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 , This sugar feed thing scares me...I just asked my oncological nurse about this during my las visit and was told not to worry about it.. basically almost everything we put in our mouth has some sugar in it, or a substitute for!! Darnit, why are they saying DARK Chocolate is soo good for us then?! LOL Hugs Michele ajtf.tm@...> wrote: Hi Belinda, I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other cells. I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A combination PET/CT is preferred. I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as certain mushrooms. The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and what has been researched. take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 , This sugar feed thing scares me...I just asked my oncological nurse about this during my las visit and was told not to worry about it.. basically almost everything we put in our mouth has some sugar in it, or a substitute for!! Darnit, why are they saying DARK Chocolate is soo good for us then?! LOL Hugs Michele ajtf.tm@...> wrote: Hi Belinda, I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other cells. I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A combination PET/CT is preferred. I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as certain mushrooms. The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and what has been researched. take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 , This sugar feed thing scares me...I just asked my oncological nurse about this during my las visit and was told not to worry about it.. basically almost everything we put in our mouth has some sugar in it, or a substitute for!! Darnit, why are they saying DARK Chocolate is soo good for us then?! LOL Hugs Michele ajtf.tm@...> wrote: Hi Belinda, I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other cells. I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A combination PET/CT is preferred. I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as certain mushrooms. The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and what has been researched. take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 , This sugar feed thing scares me...I just asked my oncological nurse about this during my las visit and was told not to worry about it.. basically almost everything we put in our mouth has some sugar in it, or a substitute for!! Darnit, why are they saying DARK Chocolate is soo good for us then?! LOL Hugs Michele ajtf.tm@...> wrote: Hi Belinda, I think you're right that oncologists do not give much/any guidance on nutrition. I think it's a whole other area that regular oncologists are not experts in. I don't know if there are nutritionists who specialize in cancer diets, or if this has to be do-it-yourself research. There are books out there - The Breast Cancer Diet I think is one. There certainly are ways to address treatment nutritionally. Sad to admit that is not something I've focused on. I found out that cancer tumors can be fueled by sugar. During a PET scan you're injected with radioactive dye & sugar, since cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other cells. I've heard the PET scan in itself is not comprehensive for diagnosis. A combination PET/CT is preferred. I've also heard of Flaxseed and Omega 3 & 6 being beneficial, as well as certain mushrooms. The Hopkins website has a section on nutrition & supplements and what has been researched. take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 I commend you actually, because I think the doctors have no clue about nutrition and have not even looked into herbal remedies and things that just might help and not hurt any other tissues. I worked with them for over 20 years and though I had many great friends as docs, I still don't trust medicine much at all. And as a patient, they seem to Really Dislike when a person has a mind of their own and wants to try something else than what they recommend. Go for it I say, I'd love to hear what you do and how it works. Best of luck. Pat Pre-Chemo Nutrition? I am surprised by the way some doctors try to run you through this " treatment " system without addressing what I think are some important points. Nutrition for what they plan to put us through primarily. I am 44 and was diagnosed in Dec and had a lumpectomy/sentinal node mapping on Jan 16. The tumor was removed with excellent margins and it had not spread to the lymphs. It was er/pr positive, her2 negative. I thought, great, radiation and " we'll see " about anything else. (My mom had cancer 35 years ago when she was 28, my maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer when she was 39, as well as numerous great-aunts with b/c, so for me, it was never a question of " if " but " when. " ) At the first meeting with my first onco, she starts going on about chemo and blah blah, because I did not hear anything after that. After some discussion, we decided to do oncogene testing--which she said would give a better indication for recurrence rate--and a PET scan. At the follow-up, she said that the oncogene test results came back with a " very low " (still trying to get a copy of that) number, meaning the recurrence rate is low. The PET scan, in her opinion, showed " inconclusive " results--the lab attributes a gray spot (not hot spot) in the lymph area to the recent surgery, she attributes it to possible cancer that should be treated with chemo. I asked her couldn't we just surgically remove the one node in question (it appears to be the one the needle biopsied in Dec) and THEN decide about chemo if it came back with cancer in it. Her response was that surgery was a radical way to go. MY response was " And chemo's not? " At that point she saw I was not just signing up for the standard program and suggested I get a second opinion. And I am doing that next week. I asked her, and one other doctor, that going on the assumption that I *DO* need chemo, are there any dietary changes or recommendations I should start beforehand to ensure my immune system is as strong as it can be. Surprisingly, the response was " We don't recommend people who will be going through chemo make any lifestyle changes as chemo will be enough of a lifestyle change. " I just keep thinking that if a doc could say " make sure you eat every day, " it might actually make the chemo EASIER to deal with. I don't understand why this is not addressed as part of the solution. Or is it just these two docs don't address it? Actually, at this very point, I am considering no chemo, no radiation and no drugs. Just getting on with my life. Getting sick and dealing with side-effects of all these DRUGS to MAYBE not deal with something that MIGHT happen sounds like using a tank to crack a nut when there's a nutcracker handy. Sorry for the long post. This is my first one. And in re-reading it, I see there's no point. So my point is: Has anyone done anything nutritionally to make the treatment process easier? (Not herbal, as I understand these can really mess things up!) Best!! Belinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Actually, for us, DARK chocolate might not be so good right now. What's " good " for most people is that it has antioxydents, and those of us on chemo are supposed to avoid them. Lucinda But I don't understand! Chocolate comes from a bean, therefore it is a vegetable, right!?! LOL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Ok, so for those of us NOT on chemo right now, CHOCOLATE is ok, right?! lucinda eaglemom53@...> wrote: Actually, for us, DARK chocolate might not be so good right now. What's " good " for most people is that it has antioxydents, and those of us on chemo are supposed to avoid them. Lucinda But I don't understand! Chocolate comes from a bean, therefore it is a vegetable, right!?! LOL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 I was told that the semi-sweet chocolate with the antioxidents is a good source; I was told this at my oncologists office -------------- Original message -------------- Actually, for us, DARK chocolate might not be so good right now. What's " good " for most people is that it has antioxydents, and those of us on chemo are supposed to avoid them. Lucinda But I don't understand! Chocolate comes from a bean, therefore it is a vegetable, right!?! LOL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Hi Michele, First and foremost, I am not an authority on nutrition. It's just I've come across this several times that sugar can fuel tumors. Research is still in its infancy in figuring out what exactly causes tumors to exist and grow, and why some women have tumors and others don't. I think it's the processed sugar that's considered worse. There's something to be said for following an organic diet. Means more work and possibly more money. Like I said, this is something I'm just starting to investigate. I've heard dark chocolate is good, at least in moderation :-) - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Michele-- I brought up the nutrition thing for two reasons--one was that I did resolve a migraine headache issue through nutrition 10 years ago (then got lazy and went back to my old ways, two is that a " friend " called me and hearing of my possible chemo tried to sell me about $500 worth of supplements (I didn't buy any). As for the sugar thing, I agree with --there just doesn't seem to be enough research to say, yes, it's a contributing factor. I do know however that my headaches were in part due to sugar, especially consumed the week before my cycle. Now I am wondering (outloud), is there SOME link between sugar that gave me migraines before my cycle and my er/pr positivity and the cancer? GOSH! What we (the world) still don't know! I've eliminated it (again) from my diet over the last three weeks since it has no BENEFIT to me. My feeling is that I'd eliminate it forever if I thought it would seriously lower my chances of cancer occurring again. Anything in moderation is probably a healthier view. Believe me, I've been compared to a pit bull when I get an idea in my head. I'm going to find out more about this. Best! Belinda > > , > This sugar feed thing scares me...I just asked my oncological nurse about this during my las visit and was told not to worry about it.. basically almost everything we put in our mouth has some sugar in it, or a substitute for!! Darnit, why are they saying DARK Chocolate is soo good for us then?! LOL > Hugs > Michele > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 > But I don't understand! Chocolate comes from a bean, therefore it is a > vegetable, right!?! LOL!! > Actually, I thought it was it's own food group! We have a company- sponsored candy dish at work--making it easy to get your 5 to 7 servings each day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Pat, Thanks for the support. I definitely will keep everyone up to date on what I find out, what I do and how it works out. Hugs! Belinda > > I commend you actually, because I think the doctors have no clue about nutrition and have not even looked into herbal remedies and things that just might help and not hurt any other tissues. I worked with them for over 20 years and though I had many great friends as docs, I still don't trust medicine much at all. And as a patient, they seem to Really Dislike when a person has a mind of their own and wants to try something else than what they recommend. Go for it I say, I'd love to hear what you do and how it works. Best of luck. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Belinda< Talk to Ruth about the doctor she sees who believes in treating the whole body. I TOTALLY disagree with the doctor about changing your eating regiment to one with healthy choices, limited dairy and meats, but you really need a nutritionist (which is probably available through your plan) to help you find those things to get you healthy girl! The second opinion is something I would have done, as you should have someone you can speak your mind with, and discuss things in an open, caring way. It was almost like she was a puppet controlled by the words from her manual, and you went outside the boundaries to dare ask something not part of her script. Find someone else, as my oncologist is the one I could call at 2 AM and be able to talk to who cared first about me and second on my treatments. Best, ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 In a message dated 2/25/2007 6:04:02 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, ssist@... writes: I TOTALLY disagree with the doctor about changing your eating regiment to one with healthy choices, limited dairy and meats, but you really need a nutritionist (which is probably available through your plan) to help you find those things to get you healthy girl What I meant to say was " I totally disagree with her that changing your current regiment to a healthier one isn't beneficial to you. Any changes to a healthier eating regiment should be WELCOMED by any doctor as nutrition plays an important part in healing the body. I understand no supplements or herbals, but to reduce your fat intake, limit your sugars and eat more fruits< grains and vegetables?? She made no sense! ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 -- Oh, yeah, lol! But I got the essense of what you meant. I did a ton of research yesterday, and after I sift through all this- -because there is a lot of JUNK out there surrounding cancer and nutrition--I'll post some of these links. Thanks to you all for your input and ideas. I had to laugh because I was discussing this with a friend yesterday and when I mentioned that she " didn't want me to make any lifestyle changes " my friend asked, " Suppose you were a smoker. Do you think she'd encourage you to quit before or while you were being treated? " --sounds like a MORE challenging lifestyle change! Anyhow--rambling. Thanks again! Belinda > > > In a message dated 2/25/2007 6:04:02 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, > ssist@... writes: > > I TOTALLY disagree with the doctor about changing your eating regiment > to one with healthy choices, limited dairy and meats, but you really need a > nutritionist (which is probably available through your plan) to help you > find > those things to get you healthy girl > > > What I meant to say was " I totally disagree with her that changing your > current regiment to a healthier one isn't beneficial to you. Any changes to a > healthier eating regiment should be WELCOMED by any doctor as nutrition plays > an important part in healing the body. I understand no supplements or > herbals, but to reduce your fat intake, limit your sugars and eat more fruits< > grains and vegetables?? She made no sense! > ************************************** AOL now offers free > email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at > http://www.aol.com. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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