Diet post cancer

2

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    eihtak said:

    Balance
    You're right, its really all abot balance. The more good we can do will help to balance what is out of our control. I guess by "overboard" I meant those people who are adding mental stress to their lives by often feeling they are missing something they enjoy, or denying themselves a little "treat" once in a while. I have a friend who is a cancer survivor but she is kind of obsessed with everything she eats to a point where she may have a problem. Hopefully most people just find a healthy balance that does work for them!

    Balance
    I think that truly is the key. Denying ourselves the occasional treat makes life harder than it has to be, IMO. The day I pass up a dish of ice cream will probably be the day I'll get hit by a bus, so I figure I might as well have the treat! :)
  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    Angela_K said:

    Diet
    I understand with the exception of the 'overboard' comment. If it works for them, who are we to say that it's "overboard?" More power to them! (Plus, I would think a super clean diet would only help combat the environmental and genetic issues? But that's just me.)

    Diet
    I have seen vegans eat tofurkey out of a box and bags of potato flakes making mashed potatoes with soy milk and smart balance margarine. In my mind a little turkey with cranberry and fresh vegetables with real butter would be healthier. But I said nothing. I will not eat soy, wheat, yeast or gluten. This is what tofurkey (hilarious name, I couldn't stop laughing) is comprised of.

    My point is the general public is seriously lacking in education when it comes to diet at least in the U.S. You have to go out and gather the information yourself, but after that you can start spreading the word to your friends and family. Even if they are not receptive they will be getting the information. If they see changes in you physically and mentally they might be more apt to give it a try.

    I just heard that woman should not have more than one ounce of red meat per week.

    Shop the perimeter at the grocery store, don't eat anything if the ingredients take up more than two lines. Stay fresh, keep the skin on, eat and drink organic as much as you can. Trader joes is good for inexpensive organic food. Ralph's carries organic food.

    I really admire the people who stick to a strict healthy diet. Do the best you can and it will get easier, especially when you see the positive results. You can change, you just need to take the step.

    I also visualize my cells before I eat and think about how they are going to feel about what's coming at them. I feel like the mom and they are the little kids and I need to make wise choices in order to protect them. I want happy productive cells that can protect me from disease. Killer cells.

    I love ice cream tooooooo!!!!!!
  • Angela_K
    Angela_K Member Posts: 374 Member

    Diet
    I have seen vegans eat tofurkey out of a box and bags of potato flakes making mashed potatoes with soy milk and smart balance margarine. In my mind a little turkey with cranberry and fresh vegetables with real butter would be healthier. But I said nothing. I will not eat soy, wheat, yeast or gluten. This is what tofurkey (hilarious name, I couldn't stop laughing) is comprised of.

    My point is the general public is seriously lacking in education when it comes to diet at least in the U.S. You have to go out and gather the information yourself, but after that you can start spreading the word to your friends and family. Even if they are not receptive they will be getting the information. If they see changes in you physically and mentally they might be more apt to give it a try.

    I just heard that woman should not have more than one ounce of red meat per week.

    Shop the perimeter at the grocery store, don't eat anything if the ingredients take up more than two lines. Stay fresh, keep the skin on, eat and drink organic as much as you can. Trader joes is good for inexpensive organic food. Ralph's carries organic food.

    I really admire the people who stick to a strict healthy diet. Do the best you can and it will get easier, especially when you see the positive results. You can change, you just need to take the step.

    I also visualize my cells before I eat and think about how they are going to feel about what's coming at them. I feel like the mom and they are the little kids and I need to make wise choices in order to protect them. I want happy productive cells that can protect me from disease. Killer cells.

    I love ice cream tooooooo!!!!!!

    Exactly, Phoebesnow!
    And more on the misinformation surrounding red meat ~ from Time magazine:

    ". . .When animals are 100% grass-fed, their meat is not only lower in saturated fats but also slightly higher in omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats found in salmon and flaxseed, which studies indicate may help prevent heart disease and bolster the immune system. . ."

    Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1200759,00.html#ixzz2DSGJMXlY
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    Jo Joy said:

    Diet Documentary
    There is a documentary called "Forks Over Knives" that talks about this very subject.You can get it from Netflix or I have seen parts of it from youtube. You can go to the website forksoverknives.com to watch the trailer. The website also has recipes and resources.

    There is a book that I have purchased from Amazon called "The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen" written by Rebecca Katz and another book called "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" that talks about mind, body, spirit and living a cancer free life. It covers diet as well as dispelling fear and anxiety.

    On the West Coast we have more options for clean and organic. There is a food chain that is spreading here in CA called the Veggie Grill. All I can say is yummm. They have the best mashed cauliflower potatoes! Cauliflower is a huge cancer fighting vegetable and this is the only way I can eat it.

    Right before I was diagnosed I had spent the last year getting back to goal weight on Weight Watchers. I lost 35 lbs over a years time. This is the third and last time that I am getting to goal weight. Never again will eat an unhealthy diet. For me there was a mind shift. Since I am currently going through treatment I can't eat vegetables and salads like I was before. I am actually missing eating fresh veggies and fruit! That is something I thought I would never do.

    My basic diet is veggies and fruit with an occasional chicken or fish thrown in. I have for the most part stopped eating beef and pork. In fact beef hamburger now gives me the runs whenever I eat it. I have filet mignon about twice a year at places I know that make a to die for filet. That is a long way for a gal raised on a horse ranch where we would raise our own beef and my family had meat and potatoes at every meal!

    Jo
    Thanks, Jo. I will add this to my list. I am learning so much. I have not eaten red meat for about 30 years. It just disgusts me to even see it in the market. It is flesh of an animal. I do eat wild caught fish about twice a week. My daughter has been a vegetarian her whole life. Still, I have little knowledge about an anticancer diet. I just recently learned that we have geneticallt modified food in our food supply and it is not labeled! Even companies, like Kashi, use genetically modified ingredients. It is such a chemical world. I have much to learn!

    Thanks for the info. I imagine that in California it is much easier to get organically grown vegetables year round.

    I hope you are doing ok with your treatment! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118

    Diet
    I have seen vegans eat tofurkey out of a box and bags of potato flakes making mashed potatoes with soy milk and smart balance margarine. In my mind a little turkey with cranberry and fresh vegetables with real butter would be healthier. But I said nothing. I will not eat soy, wheat, yeast or gluten. This is what tofurkey (hilarious name, I couldn't stop laughing) is comprised of.

    My point is the general public is seriously lacking in education when it comes to diet at least in the U.S. You have to go out and gather the information yourself, but after that you can start spreading the word to your friends and family. Even if they are not receptive they will be getting the information. If they see changes in you physically and mentally they might be more apt to give it a try.

    I just heard that woman should not have more than one ounce of red meat per week.

    Shop the perimeter at the grocery store, don't eat anything if the ingredients take up more than two lines. Stay fresh, keep the skin on, eat and drink organic as much as you can. Trader joes is good for inexpensive organic food. Ralph's carries organic food.

    I really admire the people who stick to a strict healthy diet. Do the best you can and it will get easier, especially when you see the positive results. You can change, you just need to take the step.

    I also visualize my cells before I eat and think about how they are going to feel about what's coming at them. I feel like the mom and they are the little kids and I need to make wise choices in order to protect them. I want happy productive cells that can protect me from disease. Killer cells.

    I love ice cream tooooooo!!!!!!

    Diet
    Hi Phoebe.

    Yes, it is just mind numbing to me that this body of scientific study is not given to the public. I am not a fan of big governemnt, but in my mind this is a role of the federal government. The USDA promotes the food pyramid, does not require lableing for genetically modified foods, and does not share information. I don't care for ice cream anymore, but cannot resist apples sprinkled with cinammon, or heated blueberries topped with yogurt and slivered almonds.....yum. When something makes me sick, I tend to not like it. I eat whole foods only. No lists of ingredients for me. I don't know much, but I do know that I don't want to put chemicals into my body if I can help it.

    I have so much to learn.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    mp327 said:

    Balance
    I think that truly is the key. Denying ourselves the occasional treat makes life harder than it has to be, IMO. The day I pass up a dish of ice cream will probably be the day I'll get hit by a bus, so I figure I might as well have the treat! :)

    Balance
    Yes, I know, as you said,, we are all going to die anyway, but I want to be well while I am here. Being sick makes life much harder than it has to be. Eating junk makes us sick, so why do it? Weighing the risks and benefits, we all have to make decisions in a balanced way. I need to learn what is harmful so I can make those decisions. Eating fruits and vegetables is the bare bone basic level of information.

    I have had cancer twice, so If the first one didn't scare the hell out of me, the second one did! I went out to dinner recently with an overweight friend. I watched her order and eat a cheeseburger and a large curly fry. Then, she ordered ice cream on top of a cakey thing. I cannot tell you how grossed out I was. She knows how sick I have been. I finally had to say something. I think that I was as tactful as I could be. I told her that I could never eat that way and asked how she feels after she ate all that. She said, "oh well, that is what my liver is for." i just cannot tell you how horrified I was. I think that is the average American attitude about diet. I really think that is why we have uch a high rate of cancer and heart disease.
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    Plant based
    I requested to see a dietitian after treatment. Our conversations were about moving to a plant-based diet and she gave mainstream information. I've been inspired by the dialogue in response to your question and plan to pickup some of the reference and websites throughout this string.

    I want to share that I've struggled post treatment, emotionally. I'm letting life roll by in increments of 3 months hoping the next appointment and battery of high dose radiation/ scans will yield favorable results ... And feeling helpless to do anything to decrease the likelihood of reoccurrence. However.... This post has given me direction and ideas about what I can do with diet and I feel excited about many new ideas regarding a clean diet and cancer- fighting diet I will bring into my life!

    Thank you! I'm going to open a new post on exercise post treatment and see what we get!!!

    Heartfelt thanks for this post! I feel empowered!
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    Jo Joy said:

    Diet Documentary
    There is a documentary called "Forks Over Knives" that talks about this very subject.You can get it from Netflix or I have seen parts of it from youtube. You can go to the website forksoverknives.com to watch the trailer. The website also has recipes and resources.

    There is a book that I have purchased from Amazon called "The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen" written by Rebecca Katz and another book called "Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life" that talks about mind, body, spirit and living a cancer free life. It covers diet as well as dispelling fear and anxiety.

    On the West Coast we have more options for clean and organic. There is a food chain that is spreading here in CA called the Veggie Grill. All I can say is yummm. They have the best mashed cauliflower potatoes! Cauliflower is a huge cancer fighting vegetable and this is the only way I can eat it.

    Right before I was diagnosed I had spent the last year getting back to goal weight on Weight Watchers. I lost 35 lbs over a years time. This is the third and last time that I am getting to goal weight. Never again will eat an unhealthy diet. For me there was a mind shift. Since I am currently going through treatment I can't eat vegetables and salads like I was before. I am actually missing eating fresh veggies and fruit! That is something I thought I would never do.

    My basic diet is veggies and fruit with an occasional chicken or fish thrown in. I have for the most part stopped eating beef and pork. In fact beef hamburger now gives me the runs whenever I eat it. I have filet mignon about twice a year at places I know that make a to die for filet. That is a long way for a gal raised on a horse ranch where we would raise our own beef and my family had meat and potatoes at every meal!

    Thanks!
    Thank you! I'm going to pick up "A new way of life" ... So appreciate you note!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Marynb said:

    Balance
    Yes, I know, as you said,, we are all going to die anyway, but I want to be well while I am here. Being sick makes life much harder than it has to be. Eating junk makes us sick, so why do it? Weighing the risks and benefits, we all have to make decisions in a balanced way. I need to learn what is harmful so I can make those decisions. Eating fruits and vegetables is the bare bone basic level of information.

    I have had cancer twice, so If the first one didn't scare the hell out of me, the second one did! I went out to dinner recently with an overweight friend. I watched her order and eat a cheeseburger and a large curly fry. Then, she ordered ice cream on top of a cakey thing. I cannot tell you how grossed out I was. She knows how sick I have been. I finally had to say something. I think that I was as tactful as I could be. I told her that I could never eat that way and asked how she feels after she ate all that. She said, "oh well, that is what my liver is for." i just cannot tell you how horrified I was. I think that is the average American attitude about diet. I really think that is why we have uch a high rate of cancer and heart disease.

    Marynb
    I also have a friend like yours who is morbidly obese. I can not bring myself to call her on the phone anymore and listen to all of her health issues, knowing full well that 99% of them would have never happened had she not gained so much weight. Going out to a meal with her is disgusting, beginning in the parking lot where we must park right by the front door or let her out there because she can't walk more than 20 feet without becoming short of breath. Her napkin falls on the floor several times during a meal because she no longer has a lap. She is still my friend and I love her dearly, it's just very painful for me to see her in that kind of shape and know that she's done it to herself.

    As healthy as my lifestyle is with diet and exercise (I ran a marathon last April!), I am just one of those people that loves the occasional dinner or dessert (or both) that I know is not good for me. I have always been that way and always will be. I understand that food is for nourishment of my body, but to an extent, it is also for enjoyment. My 88-year old mother is as healthy as a horse, except for dementia. She has always eaten whatever she wanted, including a nightly dish of ice cream, which she still enjoys. My mother has never had cancer, but here I am, eating organic foods, buying no foods that contain chemicals (at least that I know about), avoiding red meat and exercising like a crazy woman, and I end up with cancer. It makes no sense. I suppose if I live to be 88 I will just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I want at that point.

    I don't wish to live my life as a sick person either. I just think finding the right balance is the key to enjoying life.
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    mp327 said:

    Marynb
    I also have a friend like yours who is morbidly obese. I can not bring myself to call her on the phone anymore and listen to all of her health issues, knowing full well that 99% of them would have never happened had she not gained so much weight. Going out to a meal with her is disgusting, beginning in the parking lot where we must park right by the front door or let her out there because she can't walk more than 20 feet without becoming short of breath. Her napkin falls on the floor several times during a meal because she no longer has a lap. She is still my friend and I love her dearly, it's just very painful for me to see her in that kind of shape and know that she's done it to herself.

    As healthy as my lifestyle is with diet and exercise (I ran a marathon last April!), I am just one of those people that loves the occasional dinner or dessert (or both) that I know is not good for me. I have always been that way and always will be. I understand that food is for nourishment of my body, but to an extent, it is also for enjoyment. My 88-year old mother is as healthy as a horse, except for dementia. She has always eaten whatever she wanted, including a nightly dish of ice cream, which she still enjoys. My mother has never had cancer, but here I am, eating organic foods, buying no foods that contain chemicals (at least that I know about), avoiding red meat and exercising like a crazy woman, and I end up with cancer. It makes no sense. I suppose if I live to be 88 I will just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I want at that point.

    I don't wish to live my life as a sick person either. I just think finding the right balance is the key to enjoying life.

    Martha ... I hear you
    Hello Martha ... I hear you and Balance is important. We all need to strive for that ... And this life is a one time good deal (my belief ). I do struggle with the same question; I exercised and ran most everyday, ate a healthy diet, and maintained a normal weight for the most part !!! And I end up with this!

    As I look back and sort it out ... HPV is the culprit that started the DNA disruption. But, the abnormal cells were not destroyed by my immune system ... I attribute that breakdown in my life to stress; in my personal life and a bit of a familial genetic and/or personality issue and esteem issues resulting in...perfectionism....high achieving....anxiety....stress = diminished immune system.

    I was "doing" vs being. Ultimately whittling away at my immune system. I even think my obsessive running and exercise in order to "look good" added stress on my body.

    My approach now is to balance moderate exercise, feed my body well with an occasional splurge ... Ice cream, wine and cheese ... Rest, meditation and a quieter mind and "being" more. And more reliance on God as I know that Power in my life.

    Also ... I'm tring to rid my heart and soul of "toxic shame" which is/was the root of my esteem issues. I kept all my "dirty little secrets" inside of me .... I'm purging that with a counselor, God, and myself .... Forgiving and letting go.

    I read recently, "we are only as unhealthy as the secrets we keep". So trying to not keep secrets any more!

    Ok ... I'm rambling now .... We are each on a personal journey as individual as who we are! Balance as defined by you!
  • Angela_K
    Angela_K Member Posts: 374 Member
    mp327 said:

    Marynb
    I also have a friend like yours who is morbidly obese. I can not bring myself to call her on the phone anymore and listen to all of her health issues, knowing full well that 99% of them would have never happened had she not gained so much weight. Going out to a meal with her is disgusting, beginning in the parking lot where we must park right by the front door or let her out there because she can't walk more than 20 feet without becoming short of breath. Her napkin falls on the floor several times during a meal because she no longer has a lap. She is still my friend and I love her dearly, it's just very painful for me to see her in that kind of shape and know that she's done it to herself.

    As healthy as my lifestyle is with diet and exercise (I ran a marathon last April!), I am just one of those people that loves the occasional dinner or dessert (or both) that I know is not good for me. I have always been that way and always will be. I understand that food is for nourishment of my body, but to an extent, it is also for enjoyment. My 88-year old mother is as healthy as a horse, except for dementia. She has always eaten whatever she wanted, including a nightly dish of ice cream, which she still enjoys. My mother has never had cancer, but here I am, eating organic foods, buying no foods that contain chemicals (at least that I know about), avoiding red meat and exercising like a crazy woman, and I end up with cancer. It makes no sense. I suppose if I live to be 88 I will just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I want at that point.

    I don't wish to live my life as a sick person either. I just think finding the right balance is the key to enjoying life.

    Case and point . . .
    My son has a friend whose mom is relatively known health guru in Texas. She is nationally ranked in fitness competitions and has authored a couple of cookbooks on super clean eating. She has also written a book regarding healthy lifestyles and is a known wellness coach. I heard just last night, at the age of 45, she has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

    Balance is the key to enjoying life. And each of our 'balances' will vary from person to person. My balance is different from Martha's balance whose is different than Marynb's balance. I choose to eat grass fed, hormone free red meat . . .Marynb chooses not to.
    Who. The hell. Cares?

    We should embrace our differences and support each other as we are all survivors . . .and thrivers!
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    mp327 said:

    Marynb
    I also have a friend like yours who is morbidly obese. I can not bring myself to call her on the phone anymore and listen to all of her health issues, knowing full well that 99% of them would have never happened had she not gained so much weight. Going out to a meal with her is disgusting, beginning in the parking lot where we must park right by the front door or let her out there because she can't walk more than 20 feet without becoming short of breath. Her napkin falls on the floor several times during a meal because she no longer has a lap. She is still my friend and I love her dearly, it's just very painful for me to see her in that kind of shape and know that she's done it to herself.

    As healthy as my lifestyle is with diet and exercise (I ran a marathon last April!), I am just one of those people that loves the occasional dinner or dessert (or both) that I know is not good for me. I have always been that way and always will be. I understand that food is for nourishment of my body, but to an extent, it is also for enjoyment. My 88-year old mother is as healthy as a horse, except for dementia. She has always eaten whatever she wanted, including a nightly dish of ice cream, which she still enjoys. My mother has never had cancer, but here I am, eating organic foods, buying no foods that contain chemicals (at least that I know about), avoiding red meat and exercising like a crazy woman, and I end up with cancer. It makes no sense. I suppose if I live to be 88 I will just throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I want at that point.

    I don't wish to live my life as a sick person either. I just think finding the right balance is the key to enjoying life.

    Martha ... I hear you
    Hello Martha ... I hear you and Balance is important. We all need to strive for that ... And this life is a one time good deal (my belief ). I do struggle with the same question; I exercised and ran most everyday, ate a healthy diet, and maintained a normal weight for the most part !!! And I end up with this!

    As I look back and sort it out ... HPV is the culprit that started the DNA disruption. But, the abnormal cells were not destroyed by my immune system ... I attribute that breakdown in my life to stress; in my personal life and a bit of a familial genetic and/or personality issue and esteem issues resulting in...perfectionism....high achieving....anxiety....stress = diminished immune system.

    I was "doing" vs being. Ultimately whittling away at my immune system. I even think my obsessive running and exercise in order to "look good" added stress on my body.

    My approach now is to balance moderate exercise, feed my body well with an occasional splurge ... Ice cream, wine and cheese ... Rest, meditation and a quieter mind and "being" more. And more reliance on God as I know that Power in my life.

    Also ... I'm tring to rid my heart and soul of "toxic shame" which is/was the root of my esteem issues. I kept all my "dirty little secrets" inside of me .... I'm purging that with a counselor, God, and myself .... Forgiving and letting go.

    I read recently, "we are only as unhealthy as the secrets we keep". So trying to not keep secrets any more!

    Ok ... I'm rambling now .... We are each on a personal journey as individual as who we are! Balance as defined by you!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Angela_K said:

    Case and point . . .
    My son has a friend whose mom is relatively known health guru in Texas. She is nationally ranked in fitness competitions and has authored a couple of cookbooks on super clean eating. She has also written a book regarding healthy lifestyles and is a known wellness coach. I heard just last night, at the age of 45, she has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

    Balance is the key to enjoying life. And each of our 'balances' will vary from person to person. My balance is different from Martha's balance whose is different than Marynb's balance. I choose to eat grass fed, hormone free red meat . . .Marynb chooses not to.
    Who. The hell. Cares?

    We should embrace our differences and support each other as we are all survivors . . .and thrivers!

    Angela
    I'm sorry to hear about that woman, so very sad. There are so many stories of people who have taken excellent care of themselves, only to drop dead while running a marathon. I'm glad that didn't happen to me, although I must admit, it sounds better than dying from cancer, which I hope not to do either!

    There are no easy answers in this thing called life. No hard and fast rules, no owner's manual for the body that can apply to each and every individual. I think we all do the best we can with the knowledge we have and use common sense (MOST of the time, in my case!).

    As I was driving home from my mom's house the other morning before daylight, I rounded a curve at 55 mph only to find three deer crossing the road right in front of me. Luckily, I was able to swerve and miss them. I think that's how life is. You never know what awaits you around the next curve, so keep your eyes on the road and be ready to swerve when necessary!
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    mp327 said:

    Angela
    I'm sorry to hear about that woman, so very sad. There are so many stories of people who have taken excellent care of themselves, only to drop dead while running a marathon. I'm glad that didn't happen to me, although I must admit, it sounds better than dying from cancer, which I hope not to do either!

    There are no easy answers in this thing called life. No hard and fast rules, no owner's manual for the body that can apply to each and every individual. I think we all do the best we can with the knowledge we have and use common sense (MOST of the time, in my case!).

    As I was driving home from my mom's house the other morning before daylight, I rounded a curve at 55 mph only to find three deer crossing the road right in front of me. Luckily, I was able to swerve and miss them. I think that's how life is. You never know what awaits you around the next curve, so keep your eyes on the road and be ready to swerve when necessary!

    :)
    Amen Martha! Yes ... That old curve in life!
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    No instructions on diet
    I read an interesting article in the Smitshonian back in the 80's. It was about a forensic pathologist who got a grant to research mummies in a South American village that were coming to the surface due to erosion. Mummies were everywhere in peoples back yards, etc. The village was happy to have a forensic pathologist with grants from the Smithsonian gather them up and take them away to study them. Interestingly enough, the pathologist found that these mummies (or cadavers) died from the same illnesses we are dying from. There were no fast food joints. They in their day (which was from a very long time ago but I don't remember exactly) they were pretty isolated and had to eat from their streams, hunting, gathering and the local agriculture. They certainly did not have pesticides, yet there they were having died from breast cancer, brain tumors, and all kinds of cancers just like us.

    I don't want to acuse drug companies of conspiracies. Without them I would be not alive and in more pain than I am in. When I tried to reduce the Lyrica dosage, as the rehabilitative medicine doctor at MSK suggested, I lost mobility in my right leg and the pain was "just shoot me" bad. I would be walking with a cane, walker or in a wheel chair without Lyrica. Would that be better for me or for society? I am still very uncomfortable (they say it is consistent with the scar tissue contracting, expanding close to the nerve - I don't care - just help me with the pain!)

    I think anything we do proactively is good for us - and eating fruits and vegetables and trying to keep slim and exercised (I favor Chi exercises for mind, body and spirit) is all good but cancer or our susceptibility to it, I am afraid is part of our DNA. I am alive because people, like the fine workers at MSK have dedicated their lives to fighting it, by developing surgeries, radiation treatments and drugs to help keep me alive past my DNA due date. For this I am grateful. But I am not happy about the pounds I have put on. I looked so much better when I was sicker figure wise! LOL So I am ready to call weight watchers today!
    Sandy
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    sandysp said:

    No instructions on diet
    I read an interesting article in the Smitshonian back in the 80's. It was about a forensic pathologist who got a grant to research mummies in a South American village that were coming to the surface due to erosion. Mummies were everywhere in peoples back yards, etc. The village was happy to have a forensic pathologist with grants from the Smithsonian gather them up and take them away to study them. Interestingly enough, the pathologist found that these mummies (or cadavers) died from the same illnesses we are dying from. There were no fast food joints. They in their day (which was from a very long time ago but I don't remember exactly) they were pretty isolated and had to eat from their streams, hunting, gathering and the local agriculture. They certainly did not have pesticides, yet there they were having died from breast cancer, brain tumors, and all kinds of cancers just like us.

    I don't want to acuse drug companies of conspiracies. Without them I would be not alive and in more pain than I am in. When I tried to reduce the Lyrica dosage, as the rehabilitative medicine doctor at MSK suggested, I lost mobility in my right leg and the pain was "just shoot me" bad. I would be walking with a cane, walker or in a wheel chair without Lyrica. Would that be better for me or for society? I am still very uncomfortable (they say it is consistent with the scar tissue contracting, expanding close to the nerve - I don't care - just help me with the pain!)

    I think anything we do proactively is good for us - and eating fruits and vegetables and trying to keep slim and exercised (I favor Chi exercises for mind, body and spirit) is all good but cancer or our susceptibility to it, I am afraid is part of our DNA. I am alive because people, like the fine workers at MSK have dedicated their lives to fighting it, by developing surgeries, radiation treatments and drugs to help keep me alive past my DNA due date. For this I am grateful. But I am not happy about the pounds I have put on. I looked so much better when I was sicker figure wise! LOL So I am ready to call weight watchers today!
    Sandy

    Hi Sandy!
    That sounds like a very interesting article. And I agree that drug companies have produced medicines that have saved many lives, including mine. I'm not sure there is any way to prevent cancer if someone is predisposed to it, such as you mentioned regarding DNA. As for my cancer, I'm sure I got HPV which led to my cancer. What I don't understand is why only some people with HPV get cancer and others don't. I think at the end of the day, there is only so much a person can do to prevent cancer. There are so many things that we have no control over. Many items we have in our homes give off chemicals that are toxic and/or carinogenic. However, I don't think any of us would want to live like the cavemen did with no comforts or modern conveniences. However, that story you mentioned demonstrates that even hundreds and perhaps thousands of years ago, man had no control over certain things. We can only do the best we can do--the rest is up to God.
  • Jo Joy
    Jo Joy Member Posts: 40
    mp327 said:

    Hi Sandy!
    That sounds like a very interesting article. And I agree that drug companies have produced medicines that have saved many lives, including mine. I'm not sure there is any way to prevent cancer if someone is predisposed to it, such as you mentioned regarding DNA. As for my cancer, I'm sure I got HPV which led to my cancer. What I don't understand is why only some people with HPV get cancer and others don't. I think at the end of the day, there is only so much a person can do to prevent cancer. There are so many things that we have no control over. Many items we have in our homes give off chemicals that are toxic and/or carinogenic. However, I don't think any of us would want to live like the cavemen did with no comforts or modern conveniences. However, that story you mentioned demonstrates that even hundreds and perhaps thousands of years ago, man had no control over certain things. We can only do the best we can do--the rest is up to God.

    Final Determination: No HPV
    Last week I finally learned the results of the HPV testing of the biopsy that started this journey. It was negative for HPV. I don't have it. I have never tested positive for it on in-depth pap smears or had a suspicious pap either. So I don't have it there either. That was the last possible risk factor for this cancer that might have contributed to the cancer diagnosis.

    As I thought about this, I sincerely believe without a doubt, that stress made my body vulnerable. I don't get sick very often with colds, flu, etc. HOWEVER, last year I had to be put on a thyroid supplement because my thyroid started to fail. Why? I tested positive for Hashimotos Thyroiditis. That is an autoimmune disease that a large part of the population carries antibodies for but no one knows what triggers the disease to become active and kill the thyroid. I would gamble a guess…STRESS. The last two years of my life have been the most stressful that I have ever experienced. That unrelenting stress is due to the job that I am leaving shortly. It put me on anti-anxiety meds for the first time since college. I feel that this job literally tried to kill me.
  • Angela_K
    Angela_K Member Posts: 374 Member
    Jo Joy said:

    Final Determination: No HPV
    Last week I finally learned the results of the HPV testing of the biopsy that started this journey. It was negative for HPV. I don't have it. I have never tested positive for it on in-depth pap smears or had a suspicious pap either. So I don't have it there either. That was the last possible risk factor for this cancer that might have contributed to the cancer diagnosis.

    As I thought about this, I sincerely believe without a doubt, that stress made my body vulnerable. I don't get sick very often with colds, flu, etc. HOWEVER, last year I had to be put on a thyroid supplement because my thyroid started to fail. Why? I tested positive for Hashimotos Thyroiditis. That is an autoimmune disease that a large part of the population carries antibodies for but no one knows what triggers the disease to become active and kill the thyroid. I would gamble a guess…STRESS. The last two years of my life have been the most stressful that I have ever experienced. That unrelenting stress is due to the job that I am leaving shortly. It put me on anti-anxiety meds for the first time since college. I feel that this job literally tried to kill me.

    I find this interesting . ..
    I never tested positive for HPV the five times I've been tested (and no previous bad paps) and I also was under a lot of stress and had very low thyroid levls at the time of diagnosis that I am still trying to level out with synthroid. Does anyone collect this type of data???
  • 7243
    7243 Member Posts: 249 Member
    Angela_K said:

    I find this interesting . ..
    I never tested positive for HPV the five times I've been tested (and no previous bad paps) and I also was under a lot of stress and had very low thyroid levls at the time of diagnosis that I am still trying to level out with synthroid. Does anyone collect this type of data???

    HPV ... Other posts on our site too
    Hello angela ... This may not answer the question you're asking ...I believe i read that approximately 80% or more of anal CA is related to HPV ... High risk HPV strains.. These strains usually do not cause condylomata (warts). So as many of you know, most people don't know they have the virus or had the virus. I never tested positive for HPV during all my paps over the years, although the tumor was positive for HPV - 16. A real surprise to me! Thought I was ok given negative paps withe the dual HPV built in.

    At least 80% of all those who are sexually active Are positive for HPV or have been exposed.

    There are statistics and data out there on the web about HPV and it's relation to anal cancer and other cancers to include cervix, throat, vulva, vagina, penile and others I haven't listed.

    Just some info .....
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    Angela_K said:

    I find this interesting . ..
    I never tested positive for HPV the five times I've been tested (and no previous bad paps) and I also was under a lot of stress and had very low thyroid levls at the time of diagnosis that I am still trying to level out with synthroid. Does anyone collect this type of data???

    Stress
    I don't know if there have been any studies, but I can tell you that I have been as healthy as a horse all my life. I don't think I took more than 10 sick days in my entire life and I am 60. Nobody in my entire family line for generations died young or had cancer. I doubt that cancer is in my DNA or that I was predisposed to it. I can tell you that I lived under a tremendous amount of daily stress for a long time due to a horrible divorce and all that goes with that. Then as a working single mother......stress out the ears!

    I was recently involved with a group of divorced moms who had lived through infidelities. Many of them talked about cancer! Coincidence? I doubt it. I don't know what I could have done differently under scuh adverse circumstances. Some lives are just more stressful.

    I had a great aunt who smoked a pack of cigarettes until she died at age 93! That doesn't mean smoking in moderation is ok. If something is toxic, it is toxic. Go figure!