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Changes in diet or exercise since diagnosis?
Just curious if anyone has changed their diet or exercise patterns since they were diagnosed with lung cancer. If you did, did you do it because someone told you that you should? What kind of information did you find to help you make decisions about diet and exercise?
Amy
Amy
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brooklyn1 on -
Dear Amy,
Congratulations on your new site! So good to find you here...you are an amazing voice of calm and wisdom, and I am grateful for your insight, especially to caregivers...
As far as diet is concerned, as much as I hate to admit it, I now truly believe that a radical change in diet from traditional meat and potatoes to raw vegetables and green juices was one of the critical forces in my husband's survival this past year. It was his chemo as he calls it. He refused traditional chemo, and has only had radiation to his adrenal and lymph tumors two months ago, and gamma knife to a brain tumor in April.
For almost 10 months, diet, positive attitude, and staying active (he worked full time in the city until mid October, 2009 when his job ended) were his primary treatments. His goal was to strengthen his immune system to enable the body to fight his cancer, and he followed a strict diet of wheat grass juice, vegetable juices, sprouts and raw vegetables to do that.
When my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer in Feb. 2009, his sister, a vegan and specialist in living food/raw vegetable/green juices, had us go immediately to a place called Hippocrates Health Institute in W Palm Beach, Fl for a 3 week "life change program." It is about $6,000 per person, so our families paid our way or we could not have afforded this option. At HHI they do some remarkable work, and focus on mind body spirit healing - this is where Kris Carr of "Crazy Sexy Cancer" went. And raw food is the core of their approach, with some other alternative treatments which were available for extra money - so we didn't take them. We left with a determination and belief we found the cure...In May his PET scan was great and we were so heady with hope and success! The doctors were baffled, but impressed.
But we learned the hard way that cancer is an insidious, opportunistic disease that will figure out what you are doing and then find another way to thrive. We learned that diet alone will not make Stage IV lung cancer go away. By September, where his tumors had been shrinking and the activity diminishing, they were now growing, and increasing in number, and very active. He declined Alimta, and tried LDN, but had too many adverse reactions to it, and had to discontinue it.
My husband went from almost 5' 11" and 200 lbs to 130 in December, and needed a transfusion for anemia of chronic disease. He was gaunt, and completely exhausted all the time. So the problem became very clear: green foods were not enough to fight the tumors, or enough calories to keep him alive, as a man with cancer needs about 2,500 calories a day to maintain weight.
I went back to my Irish roots and resumed the meat/fish/dairy & potatoes diet, plus veggies and fruits and anything that I could find to keep him from starving to death before my eyes. So ironic as we had a refrigerator full of food. And then in February the effects of radiation to the abdomen made him nauseous and unable to eat and he went down to 125, so I made whey protein drinks, etc. Anything to keep him from losing even more weight, and muscle.
It has taken a few months, but he is now back up to 132. I have added green juices only recently to the diet as he can only eat so much, but his recent blood work showed the hemoglobin up to 10, so we are improving...slowly, but his oncologist is impressed...and so am I. It has been a long, hard battle, and it isn't over, but we are not giving in either.
So, what is the final verdict on this often heated debate? As the food & veggie shopper, chopper and one responsible for making what used to be a side dish for us an incredible-edible 3 meal affair, I have learned the following: life is about balance. When fighting cancer, you need all tools at your disposal and you need to believe in those tools. Chemo may work for some, with some serious side effects, but it may also not be the right answer for others. But there is value in good nutrition for every one facing cancer - your body needs fuel to fight this monster.
A complete diet of green juices, sprouts, veggies worked for a while, but not the entire time. We had to tailor our approach, and believe me, I was the doubting Thomas on this whole idea. But I followed my husband's beliefs, and initially at least, it kept my husband vital and healthy -- he has never been admitted to the hospital in the entire 14 months since diagnosis. And he is not on pain meds, or anything more than tinctures made up by a Traditional Chinese herbalist for him to help address his lung tumors which he started in January - in all he has about 13 in both lungs, lymph, adrenal (hopefully gone but we won't know for a while.) And they are large, and very active as of December's PET. But the brain tumor is completely gone.
I think that we will probably be more well rounded in our approach to diet and exercise as we go into the next phase - green vegetables do have the greatest amount of nutrients and vitamins, and juices are the easiest way for the body to digest these nutrients without expending energy to break everything down. Fish will soon replace meat, once the red cell count normalizes, dairy will be reduces or eliminated, and adding a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential, and grains - just so long as the food is not processed. Organic is best, but locally grown produce is great too, and less expensive.
Exercise is often overlooked when patients (and caregivers) are fatigued, but it is the very thing that will help equalize this fatigue and get the heart pumping, and the blood oxygenated again - which helps fight tumors. So as Nike say: Just do it! Even lifting your arms and legs while sitting helps. Then build to walking and you will find yourself moving in ways you didn't think possible soon! My husband is still struggling, but he has more good days than bad. And we are grateful for each moment we have together.
I think the approach of the book "Anti-Cancer, A New Way of Life" covers it all best, with balance, and wisdom, and as a true approach based on the experience of a cancer survivor who is also a doctor. So that is my take on this. Sorry, I am always long winded, but I hope this may help someone out there. That is what we are all trying to do...All the best to you all on this very difficult, and at times confusing journey. Live in the moment, and live each moment with joy.
Always,
Peg
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Permalink Reply by HollyJo/MOD on
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Peg,
I was just going to write "almost" the very same thing, but you thankfully typed it all out for me! Ha! And it was worded so much nicer ; )
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Permalink Reply by Brooklyn1 on
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Thank you Holly, you are too kind, but you are not getting off that easy...your turn! :-} I know you have much to offer here...
I am really interested in seeing how others deal with diet and exercise, what works and doesn't, and how to balance the veggie/protein/weight loss issues. Also, how do your doctors/oncologists weigh in on nutritional matters? Our first oncologist told my husband he was crazy, and was quite rude and condescending. So we found a new oncologist who at least respected my husband's beliefs and agreed to work with him. Any feedback would be appreciated...Peg
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Peg,
Can't blame me for trying.... ; )
Truly, we have not been fortunate enough to find an Oncologist who truly supports Nutrition. Our current Oncologist is great, but the most we could get out of him in regard to nutrition, is "It can't hurt I guess".
My issue is," Why is it So Very Important to eat healthy balanced meals, but Not if your dx with LC? This makes No sense to me.
We all know how important eating healthy is for our body as a whole, it prevents Obesity, Heart Disease, Diabetes and so much more.
Eating healthy meals including Veggies, Fruits and Whole Grains can also reverse disease that might other wise kill you.
BUT- Oncologist after Oncologist will say it's not important or even worse "It doesn't make a difference what you eat"
I just can't believe what I am hearing! Of course it's important! It's important for Everyone!
The ONLY reasoning behind their blatant opposition to Nutrition I can think of, is....They are afraid we will think it will cure us to do so.
That and lack of knowledge. Lets face it, they don't spend much time at all in school taking classes on Nutrition, a few semesters total maybe...
I 100% Believe Nutrition is Important regardless, but for LC Survivors....for me and Mark, it's essential.
Mark, a former meat and Potatoes guy, changed his diet drastically after his chemo didn't show a huge improvement.
Next scan, same chemo, showed almost NED.
I know, we can't prove it was his diet, but it is what it is, HOPE. One thing we can control. And heck, if nothing else, he wont have Heart disease!
And we certainly feel better not eating processed foods.
I do understand that its a very personal choice. And I respect that.
One last thing I would point out before bed.....
I truly don't understand how most LC patients do it. Period. I just can't imagine trying to be concerned with diet when they are fighting life itself.
By that I mean, people with LC that do not have a full time caregiver willing to help and support them right in the middle of chemo, radiation, appointments, decisions...etc.
It is almost a full time job for me to try and get this down, so I really feel for patients trying to do it all on their own. I have witnessed it, and it amazes me the strength they portray. Ellen Amazes me. You and Marten Amaze me. Your endless Courage.
I just ride coat tails and won't let go....
Every LC Survivor is a Hero to me.....Because I can't imagine. I just can't, even as close as it is to me.....
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Permalink Reply by Brooklyn1 on
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Dearest Holly,
Thank you for another insightful, and beautifully written piece. I think you sell yourself a little short on heroes...you might be surprised how many folks look to you for guidance and support. I know a few!
As far a doctor's getting training in nutrition I think we are talking a few days of lectures - though perhaps in recent years nutrition may be offered more, but not in any depth so that docs are connecting the dots to treat diseases, or using diet as a way to address their cause, prevention and cures of even the most common diseases in this country. It's the "duh factor." Seems all so obvious, but that doesn't matter.
Most doctors realize that nutritional counseling is better left to a nutritionist, who is trained and who will get paid for this service, as opposed to your local PCP who will just be "wasting" billable minutes on a huge and time consuming area in which he/she has no formal education. Follow the money: American health care is propelled by pharmaceuticals and insurance companies, not necessarily what is in the best interests of the patient.
If it can't be cured with a pill or shot, or cut or zapped away, you are out of luck. So people search for solutions on their own. Which is why a whole alternative care system and supplement industry has taken over, but who knows how legitimate, beneficial, or even what dosage is right as they are unregulated. And not covered by insurance when they might be the best treatment. So you can't afford it anyway. Food is easier to figure out at least!
I think the issue with our oncologists dealing with diet and lung cancer is pretty basic. They have already put most LC patients in the terminal box upon diagnosis, so "live it up while you can, eat what you want" is their natural response. That's what my husband was told...Funny how they want you to take every drug in existence, and radiate your lungs into ash, but build up your immune system through diet or supplements - whoa, hold on, that's too radical. Again, we need to treat the whole person, with balance, compassion, and "do no harm."
But, I think the people have had enough, and a change is a comin'! Keep pushing those healthy meals, you are truly doing the best you can for Mark, and you. And yes, my hat goes off to everyone who is the patient and caregiver all in one. You are without a doubt an inspiration to all of us...
Always, Peg
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Permalink Reply by Andy Milner on -
Right on, girl! I definitely felt the strongest lack of hope from my first oncologist. That was another of my rude awakenings since my diagnosis this last June. It seemed like I could just read it on their foreheads when I would ask a question. Are you crazy? Give it up, is what I saw. I hope we all get up in their faces until they start taking our lives seriously instead of looking at us like subjects for their next medical journal article. In fairness to doctors everywhere, I must give props to my surgeon, who not only listened to me, but said that genetic work and metabolism was the way doctors all knew instinctively that cancer treatment was going, but we're not quite there yet. Looks like it's up to all of us to find that right balance.
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Permalink Reply by Maribeth Wall on -
I did return my old workout routine that I had abandoned for quite awhile, a year after diagnosis. I did change my eating habits but I still have my favorites but not like I use to. I have to say I love food and have really gotten into Asparagus and eating Spinach with my foods. I also have cut back on the sugar intake, would like to do more but I just can't seem to not need the occasional dark chocolate or cake at birthday parties! I figure doing something is better than not doing anything at all for myself. I also think everyone's body reacts to different foods in different ways. I am sooooo hoping one day someone will say eating pizza is the best thing for me!!! Okay, not going to happen!
Maribeth
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Maribeth,
Love your name! I am a Firm believer in doing "something" is better than "nothing at all". Lets not forget we need to treat our "whole" body.
Just think if America had that attitude. The truth is most don't. So their health is severely impacted. Of course I am finding more and more that some truly don't know how to eat healthy At ALL.
Just watch "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution"
Best Wishes,
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Permalink Reply by Maribeth Wall on
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Thank you HollyJo - I did watch Jamie's Food Revolution and it was shocking to see how some people eat and how the school systems are feeding kids. Rather shocking and eye opening. After watching that series I realized I was eating much better than I realized I was. I also believe that at least if you try to do the right things it has a better impact on the individual than not doing anything at all. Your right about treating the whole body. Sometimes I think we get so hung up on food side of things or the workout side that we forget it is a combination of food, working out or at least walking, and the mental side, makes it all work together.
Have a Great Day.
Maribeth
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Maribeth,
Another good point. Some exercise, even if it's just a walk, is very important. Not only for Health reasons, but for LC patients who have had Surgery or any treatment really.....
It will build stamina back up and help with SOB. Win-win.
HollyJo
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Permalink Reply by John H MOD on -
Hi HollyJo,
I get what you say about taking a walk to get to build up your stamina to handle the SOB. ROFL I just couldn't resist! I agree we all eat like crap at least most of us but some of us have no will power when it comes to sweets and all the bad things. I try to stay away from Fast food and I handle that but my office is in back of a pizza place. I won't even go on. I'm not a little person is all I'll say
God bless, John.
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Hello John!
It all comes down to Will Power in the end whether it be food or exercise. I was slim, trim and fit before Marks dx.
I have since put on 40 pounds!!! And I have been eating healthy, but haven't got much exercise in...
One without the other doesn't work so well. That would be rough being right next to a Pizza place ;0
My downfall are Potatoes. I love them any way you can cook em! That and Bread...oh...nothing like fresh toasted bread.....
Great-I worked up an appetite! lol
Hugs~
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