Hi all and firstly thanks for reading.
My Mum was diagnosed with womb cancer at the end of April last year. She's had a hysterectomy, the cancer has returned to the top of the vagina and some other nodules that they are concerned about. She is now on chemo, just had the fourth round of 6 and coping well on that, though seems to hit her a bit harder with each cycle now. She is 68. She has been very down at times and I think for a long time found it hard to even acknowledge what was happening, did not want lots of information from the medical team, just piecemeal so she could take it in. Mentally I would say it is not unfair to say that she has suffered with some mild mental health issues on and off throughout her life, though these have rarely been formally diagnosed or acknowledged. It's been pretty tough, but currently she is doing really well, reasonably positive etc., and if anything the chemo has provided a bit of a routine and focus. She will say herself that she feels really well.
What brings me here now is that she has somewhere heard of a book called "How to Starve Cancer" and has expressed an interest in this. Given that she's previously been reluctant to even associate herself with cancer, this seems quite a leap.
I'm just concerned as I'm at a loss to know how relevant or helpful such a book will be. I don't want her to be brought down when she is doing so well- by overwhelmed by the information for example. On the other hand, I can understand and think it is great that she wants to become more involved in her care and of course understand that in these circumstances you may turn to things you hadn't considered before. She does drink more green and herbal teas now!
I've tried to research this particular book but have gone into the rabbit warren of how much info is out there! I probably feel a bit scared by it all myself, and a bit sceptical.
I guess what I am asking is, how much have others engaged in their care outside the useful methods of what you are told in clinic? I think I just feel a bit bamboozled by it all, and want my Mum to enjoy her precious life by having that slice of chocolate cake etc.!!
I just be interested to know the thoughts of others on this.
Thanks everyone
