Fasting.

[27-359]

On my last post I said that I intended to try a fast during my first chemo session last week, and thought I would feed back the results.

For 3 days before and 1 day after as well as the chemo day, I ate only melon and a thin (water based,) soup. I drank lots of water and fruit teas. So far (day 5) I have only had one side effect which is quite intense joint pain for which I am trying epsom salts baths.

Obviously I am pleased but presume that side effects become accumulative as treatment proceeds. Is that right? And d loopoes this joint pain subside until the next chemo, or is it here for good now?

Anyway, I will be sticking to this fast regime next time and see if it continues to keep me feeling well.

[Hidden]

I suspect you'll find this pain for only a few days at this point in the cycle - if it's to do with taxol. Apparently chemo is quite hard on the stuff around joints. Glad it seems to have gone well otherwise.

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Yes the side effects are cumulative as treatment proceeds. The joint pain should subside but may intensify as time goes on. Eventually it will go, unless like me it results in arthritis and even then it comes and goes. Be interesting to see how your fasting affects the intensity of the side effects of your chemo. Wishing you well, Kathy xxx

[27-359 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thanks for that. I shall stick with the regime in the hope that the positive results continue. Actually, as the day has gone on, the joint pain is easing, and as I already have arthritis, I am not looking forward to it intensifying!

[Choski]

Interesting results and also interesting (for me anyway!) is that I found that the jointpain reduced after chemo 1 but that was probably more due to the fact that my Onc reduced my Taxol on chemo 2 and again another reduction for chemo 3. She's now stopped it after chemo 4 due to my side effects.

Clare x

[27-359 in reply to Choski]

When I contacted the centre they said that Taxol could have quite severe side effects.

I hope you are feeling a lot better now. Looks like you are getting near the end of your course of treatment.

[Flamingobeef18]

I have to say that the idea of 5 day fast every three weeks does not sound at all sensible to me. Your body needs optimal nutrition during chemo in order to deal with the onslaught of the drugs. Why would you want to further increase the burden on your body during this time? Food is not the enemy. This seems like a great way to maximize side effects to me.

[LesleyGreengran]

I've tried to fast but found it made me too weak and nauseous so no good for me but sometimes it's best to go with what works for you. we're all different. But do make up for it the rest of the time and perhaps take a multivitamin pill.

[27-359 in reply to LesleyGreengran]

I have always been into healthy eating and living, and being a vegetarian have always been up to date on supplements and vitamins, so will continue to look after my health as well as I can.

Perhaps I was lucky this first treatment and the positive results wont continue. If that happens I shall stop the fasting.

[luluw]

I have to say I agree with flamingobeef18 (love the user name!). You can only claim that the lack of side effects was due to fasting if you had done the chemo while eating normally as well. Carboplatin causes fatigue and your body needs nutrition to fight this. The anti-sickness meds cause constipation (severe in my case) and you need fibre in your diet to help. I can see no medical basis for fasting-maybe someone will correct me.

Lou

[786Asma_believer_]

Hi, I thought I would share my experience with you.

I too fasted for 3 days prior to my chemo and thank god I think it worked wonders for me. The first round I didn't fast and had the sickness and rash all over my body. For the rest of my chemo I fasted and I actually felt pretty good. My biggest complaint was the horrible taste in my mouth! I was quite obviously tired as well as the chemo went on as well.

There is plenty of research to show that fasting has a positive impact on your body, the 5:2 diet. I also spoke to my oncologist about this before taking part as I didn't want to put myself at risk and although she said she didn't understand how it would work she encouraged me to do it as this was something that I could take control of.

Think I may try the 5:2 diet actually!

Wishing you the best of luck and remember cancer effects us all differently and no one thing works for everyone. You do what you feel good doing for your body.

Asma x

[27-359]

Thanks for your response. I knew I wasn't the only person to think that this was worth a try. I also think that your onc. was right when she said that taking a bit of control for our treatment can have a very positive effect on how we feel.

[786Asma_believer_ in reply to 27-359]

This article sealed the deal for me, if I'm honest m.canceractive.com/cancer-a... check it out and tell me what you think. I also strongly recommend looking into the benefits of black seed oil and honey.

When I was diagnosed I spent hours and hours online trying to understand what was happening to my body and what I could do to help myself. I also took a nutritional therapist course online which I learnt a lot of things from. However I have found it difficult to find like minded people to share my new found theories with.

Happy to share my experience with you if you would like. Also reading your post has reminded me that I need to get back onto my diet, fasting diet starting tomorrow!

Take care lovely

Asma

[27-359]

Thanks Asma, I have got Chris Woolams book and get newsletters from canceractive, but must admit that I know nothing about black seed oil and honey! Right, back onto google for research!