Any thoughts on fasting for immunotherapy infusion?

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Sundaycav
Sundaycav Member Posts: 3 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

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!

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  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited October 2018 #2
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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

     

  • Sundaycav
    Sundaycav Member Posts: 3 Member
    #3
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    eihtak 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

    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!

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
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    Sundaycav

    So sorry you have had a reason to find your way here and for your recent diagnosis of mets to the liver.  I really have no advice for you, but want you to know that I wish you all the very best as you and your doctors make decisions regarding further treatment and care.

  • jeniliz15
    jeniliz15 Member Posts: 3
    #5
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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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