Should I not be eating sugar??

Susan523

Hello friends,

I've noticed while reading through the posts that many of you are saying "no sugar".

Have your Dr.'s told you to cut sugar out of your diet? Mine has never mentioned it; and I am a sugar-holic, now facing my 3rd recurrence. (yes, it's back again. I meet with the Dr. the end of Jan to discuss chemo #3).

Anyway; please let me know if I should be changing my diet.

Thanks, and my blessings & prayers to all~

~Susan xoxo

Dreamdove

strong cravings for sugar?
I've heard of that too--that cancer cells thrive on sugar. Maybe that explains the strong cravings I had for candy before my cancer diagnosis Jan. 2007. I've been in remission for 19+ months but I still eat candy! I probably should not but I don't have any other addictions and I don't eat excessive amounts. My doctor never mentioned about sugar either. But I myself would avoid artificial sweeteners if you are going to try to limit sugar. I can't digest artificial sweetners and I believe they are toxic. And white flour starchy products like white bread, donuts, muffins, bagels change to sugar in the body. Dates and figs are naturally sweet so those could help your cravings. Maybe someone else on here would be able to give you better info????? I think you need alot of protein--low-fat (not the fat-free stuff)cottage cheese, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, nuts, etc. to replenish your body's resources because cancer makes you malnurished. Usually having ovarian cancer bloats you up and it looks like you gained weight but it does actually the opposite--it starves you. Before I found out I had cancer I was at my normal weight but yet my jeans started feeling loose. Anyway, sorry to hear your cancer came back. I myself have another checkup soon which I am abit nervous about. Good luck!

groundeffect

Talk to your doctor(s)
Hi Susan,

My doctors have never said anything about specific diet items. In fact, when I said about having gained some weight, one doctor said "good, too many times the patient has lost weight". I have since asked about going back to Weight Watchers, and I've been given the go-ahead.

If you don't have some reserve of body fat, if you get to a point that you don't want to eat or can't tolerate food, you will be at a disadvantage.

Any questions such as this would be better answered by your doctor(s). They've gone to school for a long time to learn about our illnesses and how to treat them.

Cravings can be affected by changes in hormone levels, stress, and out-of-balance eating habits. Trust your doctors for the right advice!

Kgirl

Should I be eating sugar?
Susan,

I recently bought a book entitled "Anticancer, A new way of life" by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD. He is a neurologist that developed brain cancer, not once but twice. He has done a lot of research on diet and his notes at the end of the book reflect that. I have tried to find credible resources for nutritional information and this book really makes sense to me. He talks about a low glycemic diet and the reasoning behind it. He also discusses the role of the mind and spirit in all of this. I would highly recommend this book to anybody fighting cancer. I do recommend being cautious if you are undergoing treatment and run any dietary changes by your oncologist first. Most of the book is about dietary changes, not the use of dietary supplements.

Kathy

BonnieR

Lots of answers
Hi Susan

I am sure you will recieve lots of answers to this question. I still have friends that think if I ate this or didnt' eat this I wouldn't have cancer. :-) I have read several books on diets and cancer and agree with some of it. Eating healthy and getting in physical activity of some kind is healthy for all of us, cancer or not.

I was a vegetarian b4 cancer and that didn't stop me from getting cancer, and I eat fairly small amounts of sugar and has that hasn't sent my cancer into remission. So I don't think a little a sugar is going to hurt.

I am sorry to hear about your recurrence, let us know how your Dr visit goes and what the plan of action is. While you are there ask him his opinion on the sugar and diet.

Buckets of teal hugs n prayers Bonnie

mopar

SUGAR?
Well Susan, speaking for myself, sugar is generally not a part of my diet. Although, I must admit I have over-indulged this Christmas Season (I have my moments!). Sugars have no benefit whatsoever, other than those found naturally in fruits and other whole foods. I believe it does have an affect on our overall health, and there are facts to definitely back this up.

Try to eat more protein (lean meats such as chicken, fish, turkey, nuts and seeds, etc.). This is important to build lean muscle tissue, prevent muscle wasting, help our organs, and build immunities, among other nutrients that are important for this. But when you increase your protein (try to have 5 small meals a day), you will find that your sugar cravings will diminish. Don't stress about it, just make little changes every day. Eventually, you will not have such strong cravings, but will be able to 'treat' yourself once in a while without going overboard. Allowing ourselves our hearts desires now and then ensures Quality of Life!

Sending lots of luv and hugs your way. And if you want some recipes to minimize the sugar in your diet but still provide some yummies, let me know!

(((HUGS)))
Monika

saundra

Sugar
My doctor has never banned me from anything and encouraged my weight gain. He wants me to have some fat reserves for a fall back position. I have gained 25 lbs since the surgery, my lowest point in weight.
I have had times of craving sweets, but try to limit them. For 65 years, I denied myself or put off to the future. Now, I am more inclined to enjoy the time left ever how long that is. Saundra

LPack

Sugar
Susan,

Lots of good advice here. I too have always watched my diet and exercised, etc. And still got ovarian cancer IIIc. Not that I don't indulge in some sweets now and then. But then again, I have the BRACA mutation also. I guess like with anything else, it is in moderation. Sorry about your recurrence.

Blessings to you and yours in 2009,

Libby

Susan523

Thank you everyone!!
I also purchased that book, ("Anti-Cancer"), but haven't been reading lately. I will get right on it!!

Thank you, all you wonderful ladies for your replies. I certainly appreciate everybody's input.

Today I'm off to acupunture...it's now covered by my insurance, so I'm giving it a try. They say it really helps with chemo side-effects. So far, I think my neuropathy has improved, and maybe I sleep a tad bit "better". I've just got to keep myself motivated to keep going!

~Susan xoxo

knarrly

What my cancer center said....
I went through a new patient orientation class, and this was one of the topics discussed. As for sugar, my cancer center's nutritionist said that it is okay in moderation. As long as you don't overdo it, there is not a problem. They also said artificial sugar are perfectly fine. They seemed to be more worried about limiting red meats, pork, and such.

Unknown

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Kgirl

unknown said:

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Should I be eating sugar?
I just wanted to comment on something I overheard at chemo today. Someone was having their port flushed and the nurse suggested that they chew peppermint gum so they wouldn't get that awful taste in their mouth afterwards. The patient replied that gum had sugar so she couldn't use it as a remedy. My first thought was how sad it was that this patient wouldn't even let herself have about a teaspoon of sugar (or less)to overcome a distasteful part of therapy. I think that there has to be moderation in all that we do and that we can't let the fear of cancer overtake our lives. Yes, I'm trying my best to overcome my sweet tooth but, on the other hand, I'm not going to let myself be absolutely miserable either.

Kathy

melinda5683

SUGAR
my dr told me that cutting out refined sugar is not necc going to be a help, some have cut it out completely and others have not- this seems to have little effect on cancer retuning. go have a bowl of your favorite ice cream and smile!!!

green50

melinda5683 said:

SUGAR
my dr told me that cutting out refined sugar is not necc going to be a help, some have cut it out completely and others have not- this seems to have little effect on cancer retuning. go have a bowl of your favorite ice cream and smile!!!

Perhaps Not True
My Dr. Gyno/Oncologists, handed me some M&ms so I don't think so. I have heard that sugar can enlarge tumors but... I asked my oncologist and he said we would all be in trouble if that were true. Sooo who knows, not proven.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy

Dreamdove

Feeding the cancer........
On last night's inspirational Patrick Swayze interview (I loved him in "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost")he was asked if he is on any special diet. He said absolutely not; he is NOT feeding the cancer! I think it's a double edged sword that when you try to eat very healthy it is very good for the health of your body, with or without cancer. But, all that good food also feeds the cancer cells. I'm obviously not a doctor but I would say a moderate approach to food is the best. Get in all the basic food groups, regular meals and small snacks every day but don't overdo it. Try to keep at a healthy weight and only eat what your body can burn off.

trainr

Dreamdove said:

Feeding the cancer........
On last night's inspirational Patrick Swayze interview (I loved him in "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost")he was asked if he is on any special diet. He said absolutely not; he is NOT feeding the cancer! I think it's a double edged sword that when you try to eat very healthy it is very good for the health of your body, with or without cancer. But, all that good food also feeds the cancer cells. I'm obviously not a doctor but I would say a moderate approach to food is the best. Get in all the basic food groups, regular meals and small snacks every day but don't overdo it. Try to keep at a healthy weight and only eat what your body can burn off.

Sugar and cancer
From: http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/sugar_cancer.htm
"In Europe, the "sugar feeds cancer" concept is so well accepted that oncologists, or cancer doctors, use the Systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy (SCMT) protocol."

A Nobel Laureate proved in 1931 that cancer uses sugar in a massive amounts to grow. A cancer cell can't obtain glucose normally, so it has to take in 16 times the amount of sugar. Since cancer cells don't die on their own, the more sugar intake the more the tumor grows, adding new cells to the old ones that didn't die. All oncologists know this.

However, 40% or so of cancer patients die from cachexia (wasting away) so, for those people, eating to maintain weight is a good idea, albeit without sugar.

Since cancer cells take in sugar 16 times faster than normal cells, PET scans work by first injecting the patient with radioactive sugar, then measuring where it is taken up, creating "hot spots" on the scan.

When a cancer cell ferments the sugar it produces lactic acid, which the liver converts back to glucose (sugar). The lactic acid is what causes great systemic pain. I noticed that when I ate meals with alcohol and simple carbs, I felt so terrible that I couldn't handle it. It was only when I went low carb, with mostly veggies, that I improved how I felt.

Complex carbs and fruit are generally okay.

If you feel worse after a high sugar meal, take note and maybe you can see some improvement by avoiding in future.

http://www.wnho.net/medicine_killed_brother.htm

Dreamdove

trainr said:

Sugar and cancer
From: http://www.mercola.com/article/sugar/sugar_cancer.htm
"In Europe, the "sugar feeds cancer" concept is so well accepted that oncologists, or cancer doctors, use the Systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy (SCMT) protocol."

A Nobel Laureate proved in 1931 that cancer uses sugar in a massive amounts to grow. A cancer cell can't obtain glucose normally, so it has to take in 16 times the amount of sugar. Since cancer cells don't die on their own, the more sugar intake the more the tumor grows, adding new cells to the old ones that didn't die. All oncologists know this.

However, 40% or so of cancer patients die from cachexia (wasting away) so, for those people, eating to maintain weight is a good idea, albeit without sugar.

Since cancer cells take in sugar 16 times faster than normal cells, PET scans work by first injecting the patient with radioactive sugar, then measuring where it is taken up, creating "hot spots" on the scan.

When a cancer cell ferments the sugar it produces lactic acid, which the liver converts back to glucose (sugar). The lactic acid is what causes great systemic pain. I noticed that when I ate meals with alcohol and simple carbs, I felt so terrible that I couldn't handle it. It was only when I went low carb, with mostly veggies, that I improved how I felt.

Complex carbs and fruit are generally okay.

If you feel worse after a high sugar meal, take note and maybe you can see some improvement by avoiding in future.

http://www.wnho.net/medicine_killed_brother.htm

I may try to avoid sugar
I think if my cancer comes back I may try to avoid sugar. I do like candy, and I'm not just talking about dark chocolate. I mean the stuff that kids eat! I don't eat alot of cookies, donuts, cakes, ice cream, etc. I do know that before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 2 years ago, my cravings for candy were stronger than ever. I ate more candy in that time period when probably the tumors were growing (I was stage 3c) than ever in my life, except maybe when I was a kid. I couldn't understand why my weight was the same but yet my jeans were starting to hang off of me. Of course I understand that now.

Susan523

Thanks for all the replies!! :-)
Thank you all for your informative responses. It's nice to find out these things.
I think I need to cut back on the sugar anyway; hard as it may be. But I'll be back on
chemo in the next week or two; and I don't eat much sugar during chemo. (this will
be my 3rd bout of chemo. Don't know what I'm getting yet). My 2 remissions have only
lasted 5 or 6 months each. The last round was IP chemo; and I'm very concerned that if
that didn't give me a longer remission, what will??

LPack

Susan523 said:

Thanks for all the replies!! :-)
Thank you all for your informative responses. It's nice to find out these things.
I think I need to cut back on the sugar anyway; hard as it may be. But I'll be back on
chemo in the next week or two; and I don't eat much sugar during chemo. (this will
be my 3rd bout of chemo. Don't know what I'm getting yet). My 2 remissions have only
lasted 5 or 6 months each. The last round was IP chemo; and I'm very concerned that if
that didn't give me a longer remission, what will??

Susan,

Remissions - are they from the time of surgery or after last chemo? I guess I never really thought about when onco consider the timing. Probably it is in all the information I have.

Thanks,
Libby

Dreamdove

LPack said:

Susan,

Remissions - are they from the time of surgery or after last chemo? I guess I never really thought about when onco consider the timing. Probably it is in all the information I have.

Thanks,
Libby

Libby, I will answer that since I know this info. Afterall, I am in remission (20 months.) It starts when chemo ends if tests come out all clear. My CA-125 was good and the CT scan didn't show anything after my last chemo session on May 15, 2007. Plus the physical exam in which my doctor feels around my abdominal area and the gynelogical exam as well. I don't even know if remission is a good word to use for someone having had ovarian cancer, sorry to say. NED is probably more appropriate (no evidence of disease.) They keep watching to see if something shows up. To tell you the truth, my doctor used neither term! He never said I was in remission nor did he say I was NED. I could only assume that since he discussed my tests and the next step to take (checkups every 3 months) but he did have a pleased look on his face. Pleased as punch! I could have asked, "Hey, am I in remission" but I don't even know if it means all that much since ovarian cancer at stage 3 tends to reoccur. However, there are a few lucky ones that are cured. Cancer is now basically treated as a chronic disease. People can often go on for years that way. It wasn't true years ago. That's why so many people who never have had cancer view it as a death sentence if a family member or friend is diagnosed. Not true!!!! Using myself as an example, I've tried to change people's ideas about that. That's why I admire Patrick Swayze so much. He continues his life as I have tried to do.

LPack

Dreamdove said:

Libby, I will answer that since I know this info. Afterall, I am in remission (20 months.) It starts when chemo ends if tests come out all clear. My CA-125 was good and the CT scan didn't show anything after my last chemo session on May 15, 2007. Plus the physical exam in which my doctor feels around my abdominal area and the gynelogical exam as well. I don't even know if remission is a good word to use for someone having had ovarian cancer, sorry to say. NED is probably more appropriate (no evidence of disease.) They keep watching to see if something shows up. To tell you the truth, my doctor used neither term! He never said I was in remission nor did he say I was NED. I could only assume that since he discussed my tests and the next step to take (checkups every 3 months) but he did have a pleased look on his face. Pleased as punch! I could have asked, "Hey, am I in remission" but I don't even know if it means all that much since ovarian cancer at stage 3 tends to reoccur. However, there are a few lucky ones that are cured. Cancer is now basically treated as a chronic disease. People can often go on for years that way. It wasn't true years ago. That's why so many people who never have had cancer view it as a death sentence if a family member or friend is diagnosed. Not true!!!! Using myself as an example, I've tried to change people's ideas about that. That's why I admire Patrick Swayze so much. He continues his life as I have tried to do.

thanks
Thanks for your answer. I asked my doctor if I was in remission back in November after all my test came back negative and chemo was over in August. She said yes and I took it as there was NED. So I would say I have been in remission somewhere between August 4 and when I asked in November.

So maybe 2-5 months (since it was not brought up until I asked in November)? All physical exams have been good. She has moved my appointments to every two months while on Hexalen and even the blood work is every 6 weeks or so.

Maybe next time I see her I will ask. Family and friends have asked how long I have been in remission or NED and I really never knew what to say, just that everything looks good!

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Libby