To diet or not to diet

[jenny8c]

Let me start by saying that food is one of my pleasures in life, however I went to Weight Watchers in 2016 and lost nearly three stone to be in the normal MBI bracket (well just at the top end) I was diagnosed in July 2017, have had two ops, nearly at the end of my 2nd line chemo as it reoccurred quickly, told my cancer is not curable and I am not suitable for trials. So my mind has said *** it, I am going to eat what I like when I like if my life is now limited. Obviously that has had the effect of putting on a stone and a half. All my clothes are tight and I have a choice - diet or new clothes. What would your advice be ladies? Looking forward to hearing from you. xxxx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Jenny. Good question...... I put on LOADS and I mean LOADS after my op and during chemo, probably because of the op/treatment and being told I had a couple of years to live and haven't lost any. I went up a size and bought new clothes. I have mentioned it several times (currently on a trial drug so go often for check ups) and not once have I been advised to diet. In fact when I did make an attempt and lost 7lbs my trial nurse asked if I had been trying, when I said yes she said 'phew', we don't like drops in weight! I'm comfortable as I am, you need to do what you feel comfortable with for you xx

[jenny8c in reply to Katmal-UK]

Many thanks - good to know I am not the only one and that the medical profession don't mind us being overweight xxx

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Jenny,

I am overweight at present so I am talking to myself too!!

I would say...try to keep within the recommended BMI bracket.

Reasons: your BP will be better, your heart won’t struggle as much (or other organs) & you will be ‘fitter’ to manage any more treatment (which we hope isn’t needed!). The better your weight is, the more active you can be (& will want to be) & hence you can plan to do more things/go on hol etc.

Having said all that, I am now going for a walk in the sunshine with my husband who encourages (nags!) me to go - despite my ‘buzzy’ feet/legs & achey joints! 😂🏃‍♀️☀️

[jenny8c in reply to Seasun36-uk]

I must admit that to get back to normal BMI looks a bit daunting but I will try and do more exercise (I used to go to the gym regularly before OC). I have low BP so that isn't a concern. Bless your husband for encouraging you to walk and good for you for going. This good weather shouldn't be missed. xxx

[Lindaura]

First of all, if you have not gone for a second opinion about further cancer treatment, now is the time.

Never call it quits if there are alternatives on the horizon.

Next, watch your weight, perhaps one week out of four, or two days out of seven,just because keeping your weight down might make you feel better.

I have always had to watch my weight, but lost way so much at the beginning of my illness, that I went overboard as soon as I began to find food attractive again.

I am trying to keep my weight steady now, because it makes me feel better.

It’s hard, because my taste buds are still wonky and the most fattening foods are the most tasty.

I think you want to go for a balance of feeling and looking good and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Meanwhile, check out a second opinion search here to see if you can go into some kind of targeted therapy when your current treatment is finished.

Best wishes,

Laura

[jenny8c in reply to Lindaura]

Many thanks for your reply which contained lots of good advice. I have been thinking about a second opinion and your encouragement pushes me to get one. I think I will try to have a balance and eat healthily on some days and meals out on others which might give me a small weight loss but I will try to not gain too much more.

[Coldethyl]

I’m overweight but trying to lose some - it’s hard as I’m also type 2 diabetic and have ikeostomy and the low carb bedded for former doesn’t help the latter - plus I’m on Warfarin so can only have limited green veg ! I think that it’s inevitable that some days we think why bother as we are not going to live forever but it’s hard enough walking post chemo now without adding more bulk! And I’ve found people I follow on IG have been offered more surgery etc because they have kept fit so who knows - it might get you on a future trial of everything else functioning as well as it can be as things coming up all the time x

[jenny8c in reply to Coldethyl]

Good luck with trying to loose a few pounds, I know it is never easy and your condition makes it more difficult. I should bear in mind that new things are being developed all the time and it would be best to be fit to undertake one if offered. xxxx

[Cropcrop]

I concur with everything everybody else has said, but would say to eat just what you want but have much smaller amounts and you can achieve the weight loss and enjoy yourself along the way and who knows what new breakthrough is just around the corner for us and we need to be as ready as we can be.

Love and hugs ❤️Xx Jane

[jenny8c in reply to Cropcrop]

Sensible advice - many thanks xxxx

[Orsolini]

Being under weight at present I would say eat what you want and enjoy, but try not to pile on more I guess. X

[jenny8c in reply to Orsolini]

I agree - thank you xxx

[LittleSan]

I've struggled with extra weight since I was diagnosed nearly 8 years ago. I had stable disease for 3 and a half years after my first recurrence and my CNS said "please don't change anything because you're doing so well, especially don't diet, just cut out the indulgent extras". I started to diet and recurred again. I do feel I struggled more with chemo because of being overweight and wished I'd kept more of an eye on it earlier as it seemed to creep up gradually. I'd nip it in the bud if I were you as long as it doesn't make you miserable.

Good luck. 💐💖😘

[jenny8c in reply to LittleSan]

I agree - I think I must nip it in the bud now and not put on any more so I will say to myself that I must not buy any larger clothes than what I have now. So for every indulgence there must be a day of being good. Many thanks for your advice xxx

[shortfriend]

Hi , I agree with lindaura and get a second opinion, who knows what new developments there will be. (Lindaura, I hope you read this as I am not particularly computer competent. I am reasonably new to this forum but have noticed how kind and wise you are with your responses. You certainly reassured me when I joined in a distressed state and I see how you help others, thank you so much) back to Jenny I wish you well and hope there will be other things you can try, indulge now and then but do other things that make you happy.

Love and best wishes

Short friend (pat) xx

[jenny8c in reply to shortfriend]

I agree - many thanks for your reply and you look computer competent enough to be on this forum to me so don't worry about it. xxx

[Hidden]

I feel like the outlier here but I have the perspective that there is enough stress in your life at present and adding the stress of dieting is a challenge you do not need to add. Whilst you should do what you can to be as healthy as you can, denying yourself the pleasure of your favorite foods is akin (in my view) to loving another but keeping yourself from ever engaging with him/her.

Unless your oncologist says that you can increase your longevity with a better diet or that it’s necessary to avoid an entire category of food (ex: sugar) eat what makes you feel good/happy.

You are so much more than a number on a scale or a dress size and the reality of it is that NO ONE is going to remember what you weigh or what size dress you wear when you are gone.

They will remember the meals you shared, the party you threw/attended, how happy a great curry made you or how the meals you made were better than any restaurant.

Now is the time to savor every delicious bite of the food that makes you happy. Grab a snack and go shopping for a new wardrobe!

[jenny8c in reply to Hidden]

How true - my oncologist hasn't mention diet at all. Love your reply - many thanks - I think I will print it off for my down days. I must admit I have gone a bit mad internet shopping for clothes (I prefer to go to shops but I have recently had chemo so energy levels are a bit low) and will enjoy them arriving. Thanks again xxx

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to Hidden]

Well put.

My thoughts entirely.

Juliax

[Luchie]

Hi Jenny, I too is overweight. I'm now 16/18 uk size. I used to be 14 then put on some weight after diagnosis. My oncologist said its better to have not to be so thin so that you have the energy to combat chemo.

I eat what I like in moderation. I was told also that when you recurred it's not for cure anymore but to keep the bugger at bay and that we have a quality of life. They say it's just a chronic illness that they treat it when it's back.

Best wishes,

Luchie xx

[Superkim]

Hey there, Jenny.

First of all, you need to do what makes you feel best in body and spirit. No one knows you like you. Do what makes you feel empowered and happy. And don't put yourself on a time clock....you don't know how long you have. None of us do.

That said, I find that I feel better and recover from chemo faster when I'm eating well and exercising. My quality of life is better when I'm fitter. When I'm focusing on being the healthiest I can be regardless of the cancer, I'm a happier me.

All the best to you! xoxo

Kim

[jenny8c in reply to Superkim]

Many thanks Kim. I just wish I had the energy to exercise - I used to run 2 miles then cycle and cross train at the gym. Now I struggle to walk 3 miles on the flat on a good day and after chemo it takes a few days before I can do anything at all. Perhaps I should accept I will never do what I used to and be grateful for what I can do as anything is better than nothing!!! Thanks for your good advice xxx

[Superkim in reply to jenny8c]

3 miles is a lot! I found that light yoga and being in the pool are both really doable. There are also simple exercises you can do at your kitchen counter to help with strength and balance. The key is to focus on what you can do and try to make it fun. And of course, treat yourself once in a while.

There is a saying I learned a long time ago that has really stuck with me and keeps me centered.

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.%

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

-Kim

[jenny8c in reply to Superkim]

Love your saying - many thanks

[CallmeMum]

Hi lovely,

Most certainly new clothes **** dieting if you’re happy then sod the world! My friend has literally just put a post on Snapchat about her family always saying she’s getting bigger, I just politely reminded her she’s not as big as some people we work with! Xxx

[jenny8c]

new clothes definitely!!!! Bigger size - I will try not to but I like your attitude of **** dieting.

Many thanks xxx