How Healthy Eating Can Help You Beat Cancer

Susan,

The mere fact that I acquired HPV derived cancer indicates to me that no matter how healthy or fit I may have thought myself to be the cancer found a way in past my immune defenses and was allowed (if not welcomed) into my life.

Cancer is a mysterious bedfellow.  Whether we are destined to get “it” or not, I can’t think that a strong immune system is key to not becoming a member of the H&N club.

Healthy eating sure cannot hurt and has to be more enjoyable than treatments and side effects.

Matt

I too wonder about that.  I am never sick, my blood tests and bone density results are better than someone half my age. I have the blood pressure of a 10 year old (so my doctor says), I'm on no medication (well until this)...I don't eat any processed foods, eat very healthy, worked out 4-5 days a week, don't drink, stopped smoking 32 years ago....and here I am.  

Joanne

You are right about that Susan....sometimes things just don't make sense.  But I truly believe all of this fits into God's plan for my life.

When my mother was hospitalized after her last chemo (she had been on every chemo imaginable for about 4 years) they said that she was malnourished. My stupid, control freak of a sister refused to consider a feeding tube wheb I suggested it to mother.  Anyway, she was too weak and malnourished to fight off infections and died a week later.  That made me realize that no matter how I feel, what hurts, I have to eat/drink nourishing things during this journey. I saw a man who started a week before me, go downhill from week 3.  He could not handle not tasting his food. He was obstinate about it. I told him I couldn't tell the difference between chicken or the chair he was sitting on, but I sure as hell was going to continue eating and drinking.  He ended up with a feeding tube after his last rads, and after he was reduced from a stout fella to a bag of bones. I can see how some would die. I first thought he lived alone, but no, his wife was caregiver but his attitude was too strong for her to force him. Insane. 

that a strong immune system will fight cancer....tho it will fight the nasties that can befall cancer patients from colds to things that are deadly.  I didn't have a cold or the flu for 25 years....never took a sick day for that time, so my immune system was working just fine.

 When I was starting treatment I was 97 lbs....I'd lay awake at night terrified that I'd die during treatment, I had it in my mind that I couldn't lose a single pound.  As it was, I lost 20 lbs....but not because food didn't taste good, and I didn't like it....(that IS insane).  I said to myself, and I've said many times on here....that we have to put the "I live to eat" on hold, and start the mantra "eat to live". 

I eat healthier now....less of the eating on the run.  But I don't deprive myself of anything I really like.....especially now that my taste buds have finally made it back to normal. 

p 

I think we all understand how important organic food is for us but just like AnotherSurvivor stated above, cancer has always been with us as a species.  There is no harm in eating right and there may be a correlation to all the chemicals put in processed food that we've become accustomed to.  That is a whole different topic I could discuss about additives, hormones, etc;. added to our food.

The majority of us will always err on the side of caution and recommend a patient see the most qualified team of doctors available for their specific type of cancer.  My ENT sent me to a specialist who's wait time is close to 3-4 hours to see him.  But he is the best.  She said that if he wasn't available then I'd be sent out of state to another cancer specialist.

Thanks for the info and we'll take note on good eating.

majaved said:

hi

i just want to know how long will it take for your taste buds to get back to normal?

 

Not in my case but others have stated roughly 2 years.  Every patient varies to a certain degree.  Mine came back within a few months but are still quite sensitive to spicy foods, which I love.  My last rad was in April of '12.