Staying healthy with cancer

Morning all

Recently found out I have cancer. I am awaiting a further biopsy but, looking like it is breast cancer. I am at the very beginning of everything but, they are already talking chemo and an op. 

Until I know more, I want to try and be as healthy as I can. So, I'm after advice around diet.  I'm a vegetarian and generally a healthy eater but, are there certain foods that could be more beneficial to me? Conversely, are there things I should avoid? Is it worth taking a multivitamin or something? If so, what should Iook for from that vitamin?

Any advice is gratefully received. 

Many thanks

Jax

  • Hello Jax, 

    I am sorry to hear about your recent cancer diagnosis and I hope you will soon find out all the details from your biopsy results and what the treatment plan might be. If it is confirmed to be breast cancer, you can find a wealth of information on this page and if you want to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses at any point, you can ring them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    You are right to want to make sure your diet stays healthy - this will also help you cope better with your treatment. We have some good general diet and cancer advice with in-depth information on what constitutes a healthy diet and this page on why diet is important is also full of good advice. I hope that you will also hear some interesting diet stories from our members and that their experiences will help you make some good diet choices. 

    As for multivitamins, I think it would be worth perhaps talking to your specialist about it and asking whether this would be beneficial to you. You can find out more about vitamins on our vitamins, diet supplements and cancer page. Whatever vitamin you consider taking it is always a good idea to check with your consultant or medical team first as sometimes these can interfere with treatment. 

    I hope you find out more soon and I wanted to wish you the best of luck with your treatment. Keep us updated if you get a moment when you get more details as to what you will be dealing with.

    Our forum is a very supportive environment and you will meet many other ladies who have been affected by breast cancer and who will be happy I am sure to share their story with you.  

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hey Jax

    Depending on your age and what they find depends on

    the treatment you'll recieve.  I had a 2.4cm ILC, stage 2 and grade 2.... I had a lumpectomy with a reconstruction and radiotherapy.  Because I was 37 when they found it they done an oncotype test to see whether chemo would do me more harm that good, turns out I didn't need it.  
    One thing I will say is if you're pre menopause, stop eating grapefruit and tangerines... they are a big no no with medication you'll start called tamoxifen.

    hope this helps

     

    Lynsey