Power to the Plate
We talk a lot about staying in control in cancer world. There’s so much that is out of your control, once you’re in it, it’s nice to know there are some things you can influence. I’m talking about food. What you eat while you’re going through chemo or radiation can really help your body maintain strength and the ability to heal.
I was lucky enough to be part of the audience the other day at a conference where the speaker was a nutritionist who’s specialty is advising patients how to eat while going through their cancer treatment. She spoke on healthy eating overall, but when your body is hit with an intruder like cancer, there is a way you can fight back by eating foods that pack a power punch against the beast.
Did you know that spearmint and ginger can do wonders to settle an upset stomach? Ginger tea or chewing spearmint gum helps with some of the side affects of treatment. Protein helps too. Lean meats and fish go a long way to help the body stay strong. Hydration is huge. Not only does it help avoid weakness, but it also flushes away some of the toxins that come with all those infusions.
I can remember there were days when Leroy didn’t feel like eating at all. I couldn’t force him to eat, so I waited for the signs that said he was feeling better and that’s when I would make him a favorite lunch or dinner that packed a healthy dose of good food.
I learned quickly common sense played a big part in his diet too.
There were days when a good old fashioned chocolate milk shake worked better than any thing off the food pyramid.
But for the most part, eating well, went a long way in fighting the cancer….or at least in fighting what made him sick from the treatments for the cancer.
It gave us that mental edge too…we were in control of what went on the dinner plate…we had the power.
January 30, 2012 @ 1:26 am
It’s so saddening to think how a person could lose a lot to cancer. Even the enjoyment of food! Smoothies sure sound like a nice idea, they’d be even better made with fruits.
January 24, 2012 @ 6:37 am
Kathie………I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. May she rest in peace. Prayers to you and your family……………still lifting
January 23, 2012 @ 9:18 pm
I haven’t been here much lately because I was taking care of my sister who was diagnosed on December 22nd with liver cancer with mets to the pancreas and intestines. She passed away on January 18th. When she could still eat all she wanted was fruit with an occasional egg and v-8 juice. When she could no longer eat, my brother-in-law thought we were starving her but her body just did not need nutrition at that point.She hated Ensure and I’m sorry I didn’t think of a smoothie of some sort. Granted, she had this disease for some time and it was undetected partially to it’s nature and partially to her thought that it was just a stomach ache and a back ache. This is the third sister I have lost to liver cancer in 10 years with no history of any others having had it as far as we know. Once again I shout I HATE CANCER.
January 23, 2012 @ 10:54 pm
I hear my sister scream.
January 24, 2012 @ 6:28 pm
Kathie, I, someone who has four sisters, am deeply saddened by your enormous loss of three. There are no words that can comfort enough in a time like this.
January 23, 2012 @ 8:28 pm
An email I received yesterday: DON’T TELL GOD YOU HAVE A BIG PROBLEM; TELL THE PROBLEM YOU HAVE A BIG GOD. Kathy K
January 23, 2012 @ 6:35 pm
While on chemo, I lost all appetite along with 27 lbs. Nothing was appealing. My wife found some protein powder at the health food store. Started making me 2 shakes per day with bananas or apples or blueberries added along with milk or soy plus a little ice. A smoothie!! Got to love them. They stopped my weight loss. When my wife had triple bypass, I did the same for her. For both of us, it is simple to do, tastes good and helps provide some nutrition. I could drink them now without any real reason to do so. Keep them in mind for family or friends who may be receiving chemo or have just undergone some major surgery where their appetite is lagging. I tried Ensure and other ready made drinks but couldn’t tolerate them. You can also look for Whey power in the grocery store..vanilla or chocolate.