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72 HR fasting before and after chemotherapy

Hi folks,

Breast cancer gal here and will be starting chemo eaear May. Drugs tbc  this week his been told 6 X infusions every 3 weeks, start hormone therapy during cheno too.

Been reading a lot about fastibg - 48 hrs before chemo and 24 hrs after and how this can help alleviate side effects and help body protect itself from killing all the good stuff than bad ( awful scientific analogy but you get my drift). Big believer in time restricted eating but this was to control my weight whereas this is s whole new world. It must help with potential overeating or csca beige food munchies too. I'm terrified when I read about ladies gaining 3 stone on chemo from eating like mad on steroids and " what they fancy" not only on appearance but from a body fuel build from inside out this can't be good. Fasting may help this as well as orotect cells.

Will  of course ask my onco as there seems to be more research done in the last few years than just on mice as in earluer posts .generally the view from health professionals try it as it won't hurt but wobderiww if anyone else tried this. 

Thanks in advance,

Mumai

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  • Hi there!

    I was happy to read about others trying out this option, although I agree it is vital to have your health team on board.

    So far I have tried fasting two out of three cycles and found that the difference in side effects has been considerable. I didn't need any of the meds they send you home with, just had a week of fatigue. BUT, I did have a fever the day after each session and ended up in A&E last time. The fever goes down as soon as I break fast and start eating, so I suspect a link and will probably not fast next time, even though it really bugs me that I will have to put my body through the side effects again. But I am a skinny one and guess my body can only take so much.

    Not sure this is actually useful, just sounds like someone experimenting slightly irresponsibly. But it did give me a sense of being able to do something to help my body and I had a great few weeks with plenty of energy for my toddler. I do hope more research comes through soon improving knowledge on how to use fasting to patients' benefit.

  • I wanted to add to this thread my own experience as very positive. Stage 4 colorectal with ling and liver Mets, I have fasted for 4 out of 5 session of Irinotican and the difference is vast. Little nausea and fatigue compared to a week of it cycle 1. Also please note, I suffered no hair loss or thining, and was told unequivocally it would go on session 2. I'd advise everyone to persevere. My mid way scan showed good reduction and while not getting carried away, I'm taking it!! God bless all

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  • I wanted to add to this thread my own experience as very positive. Stage 4 colorectal with ling and liver Mets, I have fasted for 4 out of 5 session of Irinotican and the difference is vast. Little nausea and fatigue compared to a week of it cycle 1. Also please note, I suffered no hair loss or thining, and was told unequivocally it would go on session 2. I'd advise everyone to persevere. My mid way scan showed good reduction and while not getting carried away, I'm taking it!! God bless all

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