I moved to Spain 9 years ago, and use the Spanish public health system. I was diagnosed with a tumour at the splenic flexure in January. This was removed mid March ( laparoscopic surgery), together with 42 adjacent lymph nodes, 5 of which tested “ positive” at biopsy, therefore leading to a stage 3 diagnosis.
I start first round of CAPOX with a 4 hour infusion this Thursday, then 2 weeks of 2000 mgs tablets per day, then a week off. 8 x 3 week cycles are planned.
Ive been reading a lot, and proposed a list of things that I can do which ( it is claimed) should potentiate the efficacy of the chemo, help to maintain “ normal cells”, and lessen the severity of side effects. I’ve talked the proposals through with the oncologist, and she is onboard with everything.
Basically the stuff I can do is around nutrition ( I’m already vegetarian, so mainly ensuring a good mix of “colourful” fruit and veg, plus nuts and seeds, supplements ( mainly vitamins, but also pre and pro biotic to keep the biome in good shape) and fasting, tying the 5 day “fasting mimicking diet” in with the infusion.
Exercise seems to be important, so a 30 minute uphill walk every morning ( we live half way up a big hill) plus some resistance exercises to avoid losing muscle mass, and making sure I get enough protein ( not as easy for vegetarians).
I’ve not seen anything on these threads so far about nutrition and exercise during chemo, so what are your experiences? Is all this effort likely to help? lol
( I’m 73 btw)
Hi, good luck with the chemo! Another vegetarian here...... also on Capox.
I am not taking any supplements currently but did wonder about a probiotic. I am generally just eating my normal diet, have reintroduced all veg and fruit post op. Have to say I am pretty hungry all the time aside from a week or so post infusion when I feel sick. So am not fasting 
!
Exercise wise I walk for about an hour a day. Some days am too tired though. Pre diagnosis I was doing weights but only this week was wondering about starting to do some gentle exercises with them.
Sending best wishes to you!
