Healthy Eating: Living with Recurrent Cancer
Having a healthy diet has always been part of my lifestyle, and so when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer eleven years ago, I had resources to help ease the burden of having to make new diet and nutrition choices.
I was fortunate at an early age to discover the benefits of eating healthy nutritious foods. I enjoyed learning about different diets, studying the science of nutrition, and cooking and experimenting with different recipes.
Little did I know then that I was laying the foundation for practicing healthy eating habits that would serve me well as I continue to live with chronic recurrent cancer.
As an athlete during my early thirties, I understand the value of choicing the right foods to keep me energized, focused, and healthy during the training and competitions that were physically demanding and intense.
I did my best to plan meals that were adequate in protein to to repair my overworked muscles, enough carbohydrates to supply the energy I needed, and fats to keep me satiated and full. I made sure the foods I choose had the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes to maintain balance and equilibrium.
It was an exciting time to be in the spotlight, being a role model for others, and taking such good care of myself.
Then in August 2014, I found out I had ovarian cancer. I was in a state of shock, took it hard but managed to get through the surgery and chemotherapy treatments that were necessary.
witcancer diagnosis, had ovarian cancer surgery and a cycle of chemotherphy. This was devastating and shattered my world. Little did I know that I would soon after have another recurrence and went through another round of chemo in less than a year.
It was time to change my approach to living and went through a pretty rough time struggling to understand what was happening to me. My diet was pretty good, but felt some guilt over why I had cancer and feeling responsible for causing it. Although I knew my mother died from this cancer at fifty-seven, I still had doubts that I was doing something wrong.
I convinced myself that I would set out on a mission to learn everything I could about diet and cancer. I was relentless about this as I went through the side effects from the new chemo treatment and struggling to cope with everything.
My discoveries led me to the Wahl’s diet, a type of Paleo diet, that our ancestors adapted thousands of years ago. This diet focuses on eating unprocessed foods that are grown from the land where the hunter gathers lived. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and free from contaminants and pollutants. The Wahl’s diet is similar, but more protein dense.
It was developed by a physician living with multiple sclerosis who survived for many years, and founded dozens of clinics nationwide. Adapting this diet was helpful and I am sure, it has helped me to survive too.
Up this point, I could eat just about anything, including fiber,, nuts, seeds and foods with skin, including onion, garlic, and even celery. This would eventually change as my cancer became chronic and recurrent.
Over the next several years, I would experience more recurrences, had another “rough” surgery, and developed gastrointestinal issues as a result of the cancer and treatments in my stomach where the tumors grow.
I was admitted several times to the hospital for the GI complications, put on a liquid diet each time and told to eliminate fiber and meats from my diet, and to eat smaller meals.
I wasn’t up for this challenge and found it difficult to find foods I could tolerate that were nutritious and healthy. My weight plunged downward and I lost over twenty-five pounds in several weeks. I was malnourished, and literally starving to death. The recommended protein shakes did not agree with me and I was distraught and depressed.
I sought the advice of several nutritionist who offered the same advise, which really wasn’t helpful.
I finally decided to have a stent put into my intestines to open up the area that was blocked. This enabled me to have a better diet and nutritious foods that I could tolerate.
My new diet now included miso soup, clear broths, noodles and ramen, pasta, grilled chicken and fish with cream sauce, ice cream without nuts, cakes and pies. There was hardly a fruit I could tolerate without causing some distress.
But considering everything, I was lucky to still have an appetite, able to ingest foods, find ones I could tolerate especially protein, which aids in healing, growth, and maintenance of muscle, which I had significantly lost.
For over two years, I’ve been experiencing significant weight loss, dealing with GI isues, and dietary restrictions. I realize in order to stay alive, I must stay vigilant about my diet and practice healthy habits.
However, it’s satisfying when I can have a burger or pizza, or another type of meal that I enjoy, which is so rare.
I’m also happy to be able to eat more fruits and such a joy to eat cheeries, peaches, plums, and grapes, something I never expected to happen. They’re all rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Maybe a possibility that the day will come when I’ll be able eat vegetables again.
Thanks to my training and experience as an athlete and fitness professional, being well-informed to be able to make good dietary decisions come easily and naturally to me.
Living with cancer for eleven years that needs to be actively treated is something I understand and accept. Sometimes these treatments don’t always work and a new one started. The uncertainties of living this way is unimaginable for most people and I am blessed to be strong enough to withstand these changes and uncertainties.
Each recurrence brings a new set of conditions, including a dietary change and finding a new one that supplies adequate nutrients.
My weight loss has been significant over the past two years and I understand how the cancer itself has affected my entire body. So I try my best to get the proper nutrients to survive. Protein is the main food as it is responsible for maintaining muscle mass, growth and maintenace.
Being so compromised from the cancer, treatments and GI issues is still challenging and finding an ideal diet is not easy. During times of stress this becomes even more challenging.
I work every day to find balance and harmony in whatever situation I am experiencing. I find walking outdoor, meditating and connecting with nature helpful to achieve this.
My daily routine typically starts with a good breakfast. I practice mindful eating, journal, and give thanks to a higher power.
I enjoy a strong cup of coffee, Sumatra is a favorite, scrambled eggs, toast or pancakes with blueberries or a small banana, apple or a juice blend, and water. I have difficulty eating cereal or other high fiber foods. It’s important that I get adequate protein and scrambled eggs are a great source to start the day.
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Wahl’s protocol information ://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39385461/
