Liver cancer. Diet and fitness

Hello.

My wife was diagnosed with liver cancer a few days ago. I wonder if anyone can recommend diet books (thinking about the Penny Brohn Bristol diet book?), and books about positive thinking and getting fit.

I ask because there are so many out there, I just want something straightforward.

Thank you.

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    Hi Alan - welcome to the forum and I am sorry to see that your wife has had this diagnosis.  Just wanted to say that I have stayed at the Penny Brohn Centre.  They do some residential courses (a few days) at the centre and also one-day workshops on diet etc.  It is a wonderful positive place to go for a few days of quiet (partners too) and all that is asked is a donation towards their costs.  Worth thinking about.

    I have a cancer that has spread to the liver and had 3 surgeries.  Just wonder if your wife has been offered surgery or what treatment she is having.  I hope she is doing well and good luck to you both x

  • Hi Alan,

    I'm a personal trainer and was hugely active and fit before my diagnosis (unknown primary but secondaries in my liver - quite a lot - and other areas). When diagnosed I sought out advice from other trainers I consider more knowledgeable than I and was advised to make two immediate changes: switch to bottled water and organic toiletries. Everything you put into your body or onto your skin has to be processed by the liver and so reducing chemicals it all helps. I also use alkalising salts to counteract any acidity and use a "liver power" supplement to cleanse. I try and avoid acidic foods (chocolate, coffee, ice cream, red meats - all the yummy stuff) or take liver power immediately after indulging. I used to say I needed gaviscon for my liver as it felt similar to heartburn but since these diet changes I feel a lot "cooler" and have less pain. 

    For fitness, I walk and cycle and visit the gym when I can to use the rowing machine (best whole body workout). Long walks on the beach are good too, for the soul as much as the body and we go down to the beach as often as we can - or a nice local walk if there is no river or beach near you. Just find somewhere that is peaceful and relaxing and the walking is easy.

    The important thing is to not stress and do what can be done on the good days and accept that on other days it might not be possible. Sofa days happen, just accept them.

    I haven't turned to any particular diet or cookery books but look at eating lean meats and fresh veggies all cooked from scratch for a healthy diet. I have a lot of treats too but I space them out and use the liver power or alkalising salts to keep my liver (and the rest of my body) from being too acidic.

    I hope this helps, but feel free to ask anything else that comes to mind and likewise I'll add to this as and when I think of stuff. Shel x

  • Dear max ... I'll think you'll find that you've ready given Alan a comprehensive reply on a previous thread !! Christelle 

  • Hi Shellz. Thanks for your reply. Actually my wife already drinks bottled water. She never has water from the tap.

    I can see the logic of avoiding food with possible chemicals in as part of a healthy diet, but this very website debunks the myth about an acidic diet causing cancer and explains the science behind it. When my wife was diagnosed we were all set to put her on alkaline smoothies until I read the truth about this. It also says the red meat thing is not true either.

    Currently she is just on a very healthy diet. Fruit and veg and avoiding fat, salt and sugar.

    She has also started keep fit to lose weight.

    Thanks again. I hope you stay healthy.

    Alan.

     

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    Hi Christelle ...... thanks honey - I think I answered this thread and then Alan started another, so I stalked him there haha!  Hope you are doing ok - love your picture by-the-way! You take good care x

  • Dear max ... Had hair then :-( !! She's my granddaughter , little ray of sun shine !! You always give such detailed replies I had visions of you typing away .... I'll do my damdest to take care , thank you and the same to you x

  •  

    I too miss my hair - at the moment its growing back grey, course and curly and I look like a deranged old orangatang.  Have been waiting for a grandchild a few years now but no news at present - I bet you treasure her.

    I can type about 70wpm so I get carried away when I am let loose on a keyboard - sorry!  Probably good for people to read at bedtime as it will help them nod off.  Sleep well sweetie x

  • Yes I think I started posting in an old thread and then got them confused. I don't suppose there's any way of combining them?

  • Hi Alan, thanks for the reply. I too have read extensively over alkaline vs acidic and tested it out. Alkaline works best for me and so I run with it. We are all different and respond differently to different things -- my hair is growing at an amazing rate even though I am on a "total hair loss" chemotherapy!!

    Find what works best from every source you can.  Shel x

     

     

  • Hello,

    Just popping on to answer the question you’ve asked about combining two threads, AlanN. Although it is technically possible for us to add these posts onto the end of the other thread you began, I think it will end up making the conversation a bit confusing for other readers.
     
    I’d recommend keeping the two threads as is, and I have included a link to the other conversation here for reference.
     

    We also have some very good information on diet on our website which you can read here. If you want to find out more about exercise for cancer patients, I would also recommend you read this page here. Our nurses are also available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm to answer any question you may have on diet and fitness. Their number is free and you can reach them on 0808 800 4040.

    I hope this helps!

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator