Diet/exercise during chemo/radiotherapy

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
117 subscribers
1136 views

Hi,

I'm starting a five week course of chemo/radiotherapy on August 6th to shrink my tumour. I had switched to a vegan diet and have been taking a lot of vitamins and supplements when I first got diagnosed with cancer. My oncologist says no vitamins/supplements during treatment which means considering a more balanced diet. I actually switched to a vegan diet as many books seems to say this is better to prevent colorectal cancer (possibly a bit late to switch now!). But also I may need to go low fibre because of the side effects of treatment.

He also recommended I stop running as it can be too hard the joints during treatment.

Has anyone got a tips to retain a healthy diet if I need to be careful about fruit and veg with not vitamins.I guess it's only five weeks...

Thanks,

SazzyM

Kareno62 over 5 years ago

Good to hear that you’re starting treatment soon. Yes the oncologists don’t like you taking any extras during treatment without running it past them first. The same applies to creams and lotions - the radiology team may give you creams to use but, if not, check with them first to ensure it doesn’t contain a little metal particles like sudocream/zinc ointment.

Its difficult to predict how you will react to the chemo/radio - you may be too fatigued to do much exercise but you could maybe cycle or power walk?

Ive attached a link to one of the Bowel Cancer uk booklets about diet which will hopefully give you a few ideas

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/EatingWell_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thanks Karen. That link is really helpful.