05-06-2020
The concept of fasting during chemo is interesting. When I have mentioned it to different people the common question is, “Aren’t you hungry?” My answer is, not really. There are a few pangs of hunger around dinner time after starting my fast at 12 noon and going for 24 hours.
In the morning, I’m not hungry at all, and usually it doesn’t start until I’m done with chemo, and even then, I’m not starving hungry, just healthy hungry.
I'm familiar with fasting. It is called anorexia, but fasting a lot as a young person was chronic enough, due to body image issues, that it was clearly anorexia. And for a short time it was methamphetamines, not for weight loss, just to get high, but of course the frantic movement it causes, and loss of appetite lead to more weight loss.
I can remember being so thin when I was a runaway, that I once had sex with a young man who was a speed freak and equally as thin. Both of our hip bones were so protruding that when he climbed on top of me, it was actually painful. I asked to stop and showered, looking into a full length mirror and seeing what was left of my once curvy body. But, at the time, that seemed okay, because I wasn’t fat.
I’m not sure if fasting for so many years allows my body to adjust quicker, or maybe I know what to expect, or is really not that bad? Either way it seems to be working for preventing side effects from the chemo, and it makes me wonder if they looked at the hair loss things in the studies, because a lot of women would fast like crazy not to loose their hair.
Here is a little bit of study on fasting with chemo and hair loss, and it does seem to help. It’s also a good explanation on how and why it works.
Here is another piece on fasting and chemo for reference:
And one more: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/publications/oncology-nurse/2018/april-2018/fasting-during-cancer-treatment
I didn’t do it the first time with chemo, but I had fasted for 12 hours or so because of the port surgery, I fasted about 20 hours, which was mostly before the chemo the 2nd time, and then yesterday fasted a full 24 hours, with the majority before the chemo, and other than the sleeplessness from the steroid, I have no symptoms and have not shown any sign of hair loss or thinning either at this point. Week three is usually when most sight that their hair starts falling out, and while I’m okay if it does, it will be interesting to see what happens if I keep doing the fasting.
I’m hungry today, and fasting is a concern for doctors because they don’t want cancer patients to loose weight since a major side effect is lack of appetite already, and then to not eat for extended periods give many doctors pause.
When I explained to Lilly, my oncology nurse that I fasted, I also told her that I was hungry when done, and that I could always make up calories since I’m hungry, so all of that is really good right now.
Looking at the different studies that have been done, I’m not sure that 72 hours of fasting is actually needed, at least based on my experience. The 2nd article I posted talks about different variables of fasting, and I’m having very good luck with the 24 hours, so I will continue with that.
The only caveat is my next treatment will be all three drugs, which was like my first time where I did have the GI issues, a slight rash on my neck, and a lack of appetite. Nothing sounded good, or smelled good, and while I made myself eat, I think that adds stress when your body says, “No food, no thank you,” and you force yourself to eat.
If I get any of the side effects this next time, I’ll extend the fast a bit more to see if adjusting it will help going forward. It’s my own little study of one, but I am determined to get it right.
Since I’m trying to make a collection of what has been helping me through all of this, I thought I would start a list of support items all in one place. As the list grows, if it does, I’ll add it to future blog posts.
Here are the things that I feel are important right now:
· High-end air purifier in our bedroom to keep down the fur, the dust and other irritants and germs. Look for one that has UV, HEPA and charcoal filters. This is the company name, and Amazon has it. I bought the large one: https://www.trusens.com
· Humidifier for sinuses and skin
· Rose Hip Oil for skin and hair, along with other creams and such to keep skin hydrated. Rose hip oil can be rubbed on after a shower or bath when skin is still damp
· 24 + hour fasting, which is liquids only, so water, broth, coffee, tea, coconut water, etc.
· A clean house, including new shower curtain liner and a good dusting of all surfaces, including fans, window sills, and baseboards helps keep your body from dealing with more stressors.
· Yoga and stretching, along with stairs and strength exercises for my arms and legs
· Fresh air
· If treatment is going to be on-going like mine for the next year, having a port installed for treatment takes away the fear of getting stabbed each time, and more relaxing and painless than having an IV in my arm for several hours at a time.
· If you have a port, the routine cleaning after includes Heparin that can give you a funny taste in your mouth, so I suck on a FreshBreath mint for dry mouth to element that taste and that works great.
· Ice chips during the first 30 minutes of chemo to help prevent cell damage in the mouth that causes mouth sores.
· Lots of water during the treatment. You will have to get up and use the bathroom more, but it helps to keep you hydrated.
· Lots of water, in general. I try to drink at least 4 quarts a day, along with coconut water, or fermented teas.
· Ice cream or other indulgence...Don’t deprive yourself a few treats now and then.
· Biotin products for the mouth (I have a gel and mouth spray I can take with me), a soft toothbrush, and rinsing with Biotin or brushing after each meal.
· Seat belt covers for surgery and ports
· Vitamins made with real food, the photo is what I’m using...
