Low carb & chemo (breast cancer)

[ladybug24]

I haven't been posting much lately as my life has been definitely shook up. On September 13 I found a lump in my breast and by the 15th I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy the following week and the margins and nodes came back clean. That was an answer to prayer! But, because I am so "young" and "healthy" I have began a course of chemo and will then go through 6 - 8 weeks of radiation. All of that to say that my appetite has not been what it was. A lot of the foods that I would normally eat on the low carb (meats in particular) turn my stomach. I've been trying to stick with good foods - veggies, fruit, cheese and using low carb products - bread, cereal, milk. I've lost 55 pounds and have been told that I'll probably lose more before I'm finished no matter what woe I follow. Has anyone else had to deal with this before? When I feel queezy the only things that sound good are chicken noodle soup, toast and applesauce! I'm still following the site here and I appreciate all of the encouragement that you give to one another. It has been a blessing to me over the past 23 months! Keep up the good work! And, if anyone has any practical suggestions for me, I'm all ears.

[teelbee]

Ladybug, I'm sorry you are going through this health problem. I was so relieved to hear you got a good pathology report, though. I know chemo and radiation affect individuals differently; so, hopefully, you are one of the ones that come through with fewer adverse effects.

Do fish and chicken make you feel queasy, too? Peanut butter? If so, this may be a time when a good quality protein shake is in order. While I'm not normally a big proponent of the liquid shakes, the Atkins brand has a whole baleful of vitamin and mineral supplements. If you are having problems consuming sufficient calories, even something like Ensure is preferable to weight loss by anorxia (IMO).

Also, your doctor should be able to prescribe a medication to control nausea and, perhaps, stimulate you appetite. If you haven't already talked about this with your caregiver or oncologist, I'd urge you to make an appointment soon. It's possible that all you need do is make a phone call; sometimes doctors can prescribe medication over the phone, and then call in an Rx to your pharmacy.

((((((hugs!)))))

[CarolynInTexas]

Having gone thru chemo twice in the past 6 years (for chronic lymphacitic lukemia) I will tell you what everyone else told me - don't worry about food, you need to concentrate on chemo, radiation and what it does to you. Definately talk to your oncologist about the quesy feelings.... I had to take something the weeks I had chemo to keep my stomach from doing flips... I would eat bland food and have indigestion (turkey with mayo on white bread)
Peanut butter was a no no for my stomach, but yours might handle it.
You don't not want to eat during chemo and radiation. You want to keep up your strength... eating meat keeps your iron level up which you definately need. take small snacks withh you to chemo/radiation. === I packed a lunch, snack, etc. so I had what Iwanted - water, drinks, puddings, fruit cups, etc.
Nap when you need to, give your body plenty of rest, tlc, etc.
I am here for you, if you need any help with anything or questions... just ask.
again, let your oncologist know you need something for stomach.. you will also probably need something for sleeping - they give you steroids to keep you from being too upset from the chemo (helps some but you probably still need something else.)
carolyn
Love and hugs, and lots of prayers are going your way
c

[Shelleyg]

Lisa,
(((hugs)))!
I used to work with oncology patients and I've seen how hard it can be to make yourself eat. On the days you feel queasy, DO eat that chicken noodle soup, toast and applesauce. If you can *enhance* the soup with extra chicken meat that would help you meet your protein needs. Also, whole grain or multi grain bread is more nutritious
than white bread. On the days your tummy is feeling good, try and up your meats and veggies.
The main thing I think, is for you to eat what and when you can, stay very well hydrated, and if a regular milk shake sounds good and appeals to you, go for it.
The folks at your local HFS might be able to recommend a good protein supplement powder for you; I use soytein plain unflavored soy protein isolate to make my protein shakes; tastes almost like the real deal
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Shelley

Ladybug,

I have no recommendations, but I'm praying for you...

[BC]

Lisa, know our thoughts and prayers will be with you. My best wishes for a fast recovery and a lifetime of health.

[Kumus]

Lisa, we are here for you any time. I am sending many good, positive thoughts and prayers your way.

[cheftrina]

Praying for you here, Lisa. Do what you need to do to keep up your strength and make yourself feel better. Know that I'm thinking about you and wishing you health and peace.

{{{Big Hugs}}},

[Maxibee]

Our prayers will go from our lips to God's ears. I cannot think of a single thing to add to the wonderful wishes and advice you've received....just more of the same. If you feel up to posting, we will be here, waiting to hear from you and praying and sending you cyber-hugs! Maybe a little online chatting on days you feel up to it will get your mind off things for a while.

I agree wholeheartedly with the "eat what you can, when you can" advice. When you're back 100%, you can begin to refocus your efforts on your woe. Whatever challenges may come your way, remember: your little LCE family is right here for you!

[CarolynInTexas]

ladybug, how are you doing.... how are things going with chemo, food, energy, sleep, etc...
been thinking of you
c

[pegster]

Praying for you!!
Peace, Peg

[ladybug24]

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement, support and prayers! God is faithful! Last week was a pretty poor week as far as feeling good goes. I had chemo on Monday and fought the queezy, nauseous feeling until Friday. I did find out I could take 2 of the medicines together to fight the feeling and that seemed to really help. Now I'm feeling pretty good other than I tire out easily. Makes getting anything done pretty hard! My only other problem now is that the idea of drinking decaf iced tea and diet pop (which I lived on before) makes me sick. I don't know if it's the sweetness or what but I'm having trouble finding something to drink that I want to drink a lot of. It's really important that I drink a lot to flush these deadly chemicals from my body. Eating has been a challenge, I'm not doing strictly low carb, but I'm still at the lowest weight I've been in ages - I've now low 55 pounds! My hair should fall out this weekend (according to the nurses and doctor) but I have a wig ready to go. I wanted to go flame red but they didn't have one at the Cancer Center. Maybe I'll check back with them later. I am determined to keep a positive outlook on life during this valley in my life. Whatever God allows, He gives us enough strength to endure. Again, thanks for your concern. This board has been the greatest source of encouragement to me the past 2 years.

Lisa

?Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.? Phil. 3:12

[CarolynInTexas]

Good to hear from you.... yes you need to drink lots of fluids, or you will need a laxative .... those chemo drugs definately bind you up if you knowwhat I mean....I would eat a couple of prunes a day the week I did chemo.... might want to keep them around. Let your dr. know about all your food/energy problems....They tried putting me on procrit, but had alergic reaction....
Procrit helps rebuild up the red blood cells (when they go down in count, you loose energy - anemic)....anyway, hang in there, take it easy....enlist all your friends and relatives that always say is there something I can do... they can cook for you, clean for you, take care of your family etc....so you don'th have to feel like you have to try to get it all done.
Prayers are yours....
carolyn

[Shelleyg]

Lisa,
Thinking of you
You have a winning attitude and that will take you towards a speedy recovery.
Please keep us posted when you feel up to it.
(((hugs and prayers for you)))

Shelley

[Maxibee]

Sounds like you're hanging in there! I will continue to pray for you. Always know we are here for you. If I were you, I'd eat anything I could at this point. When you're totally cured, you may have to watch your carbs or calories again! Since you don't feel like eating much anyway, I say anything you can stand goes!

I've been thinking about doing the 3 day 60 mile walk next summer. The walk is a fundaraiser for breast cancer research. I know I could do it....I'd take some vacation time and I'd have to get some sponsors.....
This would be a big thing for me, since I'm basically lazy, but I know I could do it. Anyway, if I do, I would want to put your name on my shirt somewhere. One of the girls that's a morning radio personality does it every year. I think I could. Anyway, it's 8 months away... time enough for me to train and us to get to know each other better while you recover, right?
Close your eyes, breathe deeply and know this: the members of LCE are sending warm, healing wishes and prayers your way. Take care.