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Any thoughts on fasting for immunotherapy infusion?
Hello, I’m new to the site. 61 y/o/f. Dx Was 10/15.
1/16 Chemoradiation to abd and pelvis
4/18 chemoradiation to lymph node found higher in abdomen
9/27 CT scan shows mets to liver. Immunotherapy to start tomorrow. Any thoughts on fasting during/around infusion time being beneficial? I think there have been studies done about fasting with chemo (Valter Longo?) but haven’t found anything regarding immunotherapy. My dr, of course, doesn’t promote this and doesn’t “want me to starve.” my thoughts are “ what’ve I got to lose.”
Thanks!
Comments
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Sundaycav...
Hi,
Best of luck tomorrow and know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers for a positive outcome.
I will be scanned on Monday for results after radiation of a second mets to my lung of my initial anal cancer treated over 7 years ago. The potential next step will be immunotherapy for me as well.
I have read minimal information (because studies are still too new) on fasting during this treatment but there seems to be a bit more on the positive benefit of following a ketogenic diet. That would be difficult for me as I am not a big meat eater (don't rule it out but limit to mostly chicken) and I do enjoy some carbs and have a love of ice cream! Overall I eat a well balanced diet that includes fruit and veges that are not allowed on a keto diet. That being said, I too have considered giving it a whirl for a trial period. Maybe there is some benefit to short term fasting too????????
Its hard, because we want to do all that we can, but with the speed that cancer treatment is now evolving, most new ideas have just not been around long enough to know the value so we have to weigh the risk/benefit of what is known and follow our gut, trust the experience of our doctors, and pray for the best outcome!
Please keep in touch as you move forward...
katheryn
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Thank you For your responseeihtak said:Sundaycav...
Hi,
Best of luck tomorrow and know that you'll be in my thoughts and prayers for a positive outcome.
I will be scanned on Monday for results after radiation of a second mets to my lung of my initial anal cancer treated over 7 years ago. The potential next step will be immunotherapy for me as well.
I have read minimal information (because studies are still too new) on fasting during this treatment but there seems to be a bit more on the positive benefit of following a ketogenic diet. That would be difficult for me as I am not a big meat eater (don't rule it out but limit to mostly chicken) and I do enjoy some carbs and have a love of ice cream! Overall I eat a well balanced diet that includes fruit and veges that are not allowed on a keto diet. That being said, I too have considered giving it a whirl for a trial period. Maybe there is some benefit to short term fasting too????????
Its hard, because we want to do all that we can, but with the speed that cancer treatment is now evolving, most new ideas have just not been around long enough to know the value so we have to weigh the risk/benefit of what is known and follow our gut, trust the experience of our doctors, and pray for the best outcome!
Please keep in touch as you move forward...
katheryn
Thank you For your response and prayers! I’ve been low carb a long time and went full-on keto over a week ago. I’ll keep you posted how it goes and if I actually find anything regarding my fasting question!
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fasting
i have not read anything on the subject but as an RN and nutrition nut, i cant see where depriving already fragile cell of nutrition sounds like a good idea, if anything, (if you are able to tolerate) i would encourage INCREASING not decreasing fresh produce and getting adiquate protien to help you make a strong recovery.
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