Food for thought

This update is mainly focussed on diet and nutrition as I’ve learnt so much.  To be totally honest, I’ve done a complete U-turn since initially embarking on this unwanted journey.  I am not embarrassed to say that I didn’t previously understand the real impact that what I put in my body could have on the disease.  The following is not at all meant to be a lecture but just information which hopefully can be helpful.

Firstly, sugar is the absolute enemy.  I can’t stress enough how bad it is for cancer and it is astounding that the government don’t use the way that PET scans detect tumours as an example to illustrate why sugar can be so harmful.  In layman’s terms, your body is first injected with ‘radio tracers’.  These radio tracers are made out of a glucose substance and produce radiation are when they are gobbled up by the cancerous cells i.e. these cancerous cells home in on the glucose cells and use them as food to grow bigger.   Alarming!

Trying to cut sugar out of everything is extremely difficult.  It’s been easier for me to get rid of the obvious things from your diet like chocolate, sweets and cakes etc. Sadly sugar is actually in pretty much everything that has been processed, including wine, which has definitely been the hardest to give up.  I’m not an alcoholic but wine is so enjoyable in so many ways! There is also sugar in fruit which is much better because it’s natural sugar, not refined, but even that should be kept to a minimum.  ‘Bad’ sugar can be replaced by natural sugars for things like raw and courgette brownies – these are actually so good and as unlikely as it is, I’ve found the Deliciously Ella cook books have some really yummy recipes.  There are also some that I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole!

Generally the body functions best on an alkaline based diet.  Our Western diet is 60:40 acid to alkaline and really humans are meant to be the other way round, some even say 80:20 in favour of alkaline.  Our bodies therefore already have to work to process our diet.  It’s so illogical to me what is what, for example lemons and limes create alkaline in your body and are really good for you.  Generally the things that create acid in your body are all meat, all dairy and all sugar including fruit.  Trying to cut out all of those things leaves very little to eat.  The more vegetables to eat the better though, and if a red meat fix is needed then it’s better to have it lunch time so you’ve got time to process it before bed.

Juicing is an amazing way to get good stuff into your body.  Trying to have two juices a day is my aim at the moment and these are made of a combination of stuff like lemons, limes, ginger, celery, kale, spinach, fennel, carrots, apples, pears and cucumbers.  It is good to have something raw before you eat any meal in order to prepare your digestive system so a pre meal juice as a starter is a good way to go.  It’s best to keep the vegetables up (anything green is v good) and the fruits (and therefore sugar) down so there is roughly at least an 80:20 mix.  The book I’ve been using which is super easy and actually makes it enjoyable (not least as the author is the ex-Diet Coke man) is Andrew Coopers ‘Juiceman’.  It’s awesome and has smoothie, shots and tonics, breakfast and cocktail recipes in it too.

Immunotherapy and radio surgery

On the medical side, I’ve also had my second round of immunotherapy which has created no unmanageable side effects so far.  That being said I’m crazy tired, have some mild skin reactions and been ill twice in the last few weeks which is very unlike me.  Two down though and only two more to go before we have a review and check the drugs are doing what they should be.

I also had my mask fitted last week for the radiosurgery that’s booked for tomorrow.  It was pretty gritty - actually I can’t believe how gritty it was!  It’s like those gum shields we used to buy that you mould themselves to your teeth when they are hot.  It’s meant to keep your head and face as still as possible throughout the treatment of the rays.  The plastic is heated up and then spread and pushed over your whole face as tight as possible and stapled to either side of your head.  A hole is cut for your nostrils whilst the mask is drying so that breathing is possible.  There are no eye holes and you can’t really spread your jaw to breathe through the mouth either.  For the claustrophobic amongst you, it’s like going on a caving expedition only far worse.

The making of the mask takes around 15 minutes and tomorrow’s procedure involves wearing it for around 90 minutes.  Needless to say it’s not something I’m hugely looking forward to BUT, once that is over there is no more treatment due to the brain which is a really really really good thought and cause for celebration. WHOOP!

I could continue writing for such a long time about so many different aspects of the road we are all on.  It’s emotionally and physically draining for all of us involved but we are where we are.  It really feels like tomorrow is a massive step out the way and after that there is just one type of major hurdle to compete with. 

I’ve said it before but I hope it doesn’t sound any less meaningful – thank you all so much for everything you continue to do to help get through this.  From incredible presents we’ve received, messages sent, shoulders used and amazing positivity; you’re the best and can’t be thanked enough.