Hi Mumai 

I think the subject of fasting during chemo is very interesting. My husband did a lot of research into it when his mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer 6 years ago, Dr Valter Longo has performed many studies and advocates fasting for longevity for all and for cancer patients. My mother in law water fasted for 5 days through 7 of her 9 chemo cycles and suffered very little side affects and has now been cancer free for 5 years. Whether it was the fasting or not I suppose we will never know but it certainly did her no harm. 

On the flip side when I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August I decided to try and fast through chemo, my first cycle did not go well and I was rushed to hospital after collapsing, whether I just wasn’t strong enough or the chemo too toxic (it’s a particularly harsh regime) I don’t know but I didn’t try again, my potassium levels had dropped and I was very ill. 

I would say there’s certainly no harm in trying but know that it’s ok to stop, do what your body tells you to. 

Good luck

louise

Hello everyone

The Moderators asked if we could add anything to this discussion.  There is some genuine scientific interest interest in seeing if fasting might be helpful during cancer treatment.  But there needs to be much more research done before it is established if it really does make a difference and in what cancers and with which treatments.  As you can see from Louise's post, it might have contributed to her becoming ill during her treatment.  So always check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet, or lifestyle during treatment. 

I hope that helps

Martin 

Thanks martin. Wise words. I'm going to speak to my oncologist about it this week 

It's becoming a big research area so wanted to get abyobesa experience but the docs and BC nurses opinions are paramount to the decision to try or not to try . specifically for breast cancer in my case.

Thanks again all

Thanks martin. Wise words. I'm going to speak to my oncologist about it this week 

It's becoming a big research area so wanted to get abyobesa experience but the docs and BC nurses opinions are paramount to the decision to try or not to try . specifically for breast cancer in my case.

Thanks again all

Hi  I'm triple neg BC.  No lump just a shadow.  Two surgery attempts to check out nodes and at 5th stage fec-t. One to go I hope!  This week has been the ultimate in side effects.  Reduced % ot treatment to head off side effects. One sepsis admission due to scarry reduced immunity.  Brilliant care and confident with judgement of all support team.  I have not suffered any sickness or bowel issues at all.  Fatigue is my issue.  As if I have a hangover, partcularly  this time. Weight loss minimal but appetite terrible. BP fluctuates. I think I may  go into 48 hour reduction mode pior to chemo of my own accord without much damage over the whole of the course.  Time will tell.  After week 1 I seem to regain strength/stamina. I'm told I have a very poistive attitude and was 'fit' before surprise diagnosis. Hang in there.