radiation and diet/nutrition

The only nutritional advice I got from my RO nurse was to add in more protein because it helps heal your tissue. This came only after I asked and after I pointed out that I'm vegetarian, so it's not like they volunteered it. FWIW, I got a copy of THE CANCER FIGHTING KITCHEN. I think it's geared more toward patients going through chemo and/or anyone looking to prevent cancer, but it makes me feel good to think I'm building a healthier body going forward. BTW, our doc's office has a nutrionist on staff. My insurance wouldn't cover the appt, so I found a free place through a cancer support center (and I've emailed random questions to the staff nutritionist). So there may be resources to answer your specific questions.

Re: supplements, be sure to mention them to the RO staff. Mine told me to avoid mega-doses of anti-oxidants during rads. (a regular multi-vitamin was OK, but extra supplements could reduce the effectiveness of the radiation) 

Re: sleep. Yes! The infamous radiation fatigue set in halfway through and my RO nurse suggested I take powernaps midweek (1-2 hrs on Wed afternoon).   Later another nurse said that people really underestimate the value of sleep and their immune system (in general). So how's that for a way to get healthy--sleep in!

My Nutritionist discussion was very interesting.. I am always trying to lose weight and she said now is not the right time - when you are healing from rads...if you lose weight during rads,  you loose it in muscle mass not fat... It is very important to stay the same weight.. So.... she weighed me and told me to eat - high protein foods with at least 5 servings of bright looking veggies and fruits a day.  Lots of water... and she gave me a shopping list of all the high protein foods to stock.

The list of proteins in the order she suggested were: eggs, salmon, beans, chickpeas, legumes, peanuts, fish, chicken, red meat, milk, peanut butter, yogurt and cottage cheese.  She also gave a list of things to be I the kitchen:

Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios

Beans: Black, Pinto, Kidney, chickpeas, lentils

Rice: Brown, Long grain, rice mixes

Pasta: Whole Wheat, Multigrain enriched spaghetti

Other grains: couscous, orzo, cornmeal, whole grain crackers

Onions

Black Tea -(green tea is in question at the moment because of a study that showed high concentrations made people with leukemia worse)

Canned low sodium tomatoes, sun-dried, salsa

Canned low sodium vegetables, green beans, mushrooms

Sauces: Low sodium pasta, tomato

Meats: canned tuna in water, salmon, clams, chicken

Peanut butter: low sodium

Evaporated milk, low or non fat

Vinegars: cider, red and white wine, balsamic

Oils: canola, olive and non fat cooking spriay

Spices: Tumeric (anti-inflammatory), Dried herbs, all kinds!

Garlic, potatoes, root vegetables

In the Refrigerator:

 100% Vegetable and fruit juices

low fat milk and yogurt

Reduced fat, low soduim cheeses

Whole wheat and corn tortillas

Eggs

Low fat, non trans fat spread

In the freezer

Frozen vegetables, fruits

Frozen chopped onions and peppers

Whole wheat breads, wheat waffles, whole grain rolls

You need to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables (including legumes) and fruits a day, especially those with the most COLOR, a sign of high nutrient content. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work together to lower the risk of several cancers. (American Cancer Society)

The last thing she left me with is that every meal needs a protein and salads don't cut it unless you add meat, beans or other proteins with it.

julianna51 - I drank lots of water too.  I think that helps.

Peggy_J - that sounds delish!

What quantifies a "lot of protein"?

I've been eating what I think is a lot.  I hang around 100-125 grams per day.  That is a lot more than I would typically eat.  I'm finding it difficult to eat that much protein and stay at a reasonable calorie level.

Stage1, some docors do care.  

 I got a handout on nutrition and other treatment issues before treatment started.

During my first week of rads, the tech told me that if I had the time, the nutritionist wanted to speak with me.  I had lost my appetite and some weight between chemo and rads, so I jumped on the opportunity,  The nutritionist set up a plan with me and gave me some suggestions. The nutritionist came to the radiation center once a week and as available by phone.  The hospital provides this to patients under active treatment at no charge.

My RO is also head of the hospital's cancer program.   

I wish everyone was getting this kind of support. 

Peggy_J - your comment about your "inner accountant" made me laugh.  So true!

I did have chemo - TCH x 6 - so I wonder if that's why the RO is recommending so much protein?  And I'm *ahem* overweight as well...  I've only been averaging about 115 grams.  I got lectured at today's meeting with the RO.  He is really pushing the 125 grams.  WHo knows, they all do things differently don't they?

Julianna51: I make a smoothie in the morning (fruit, greek yogurt and almond milk) .. then hardboiled eggs for snacks, peanuts are considered legumes.. then whole grain sandwich with egg or tuna salad (i make up a big amount of salad and use it for a couple of days).. G Forman grill to cook my fish and have a salad with beans, eggs, almonds on my salad, for dinner.

pejkug3, yeah, maybe they are recommending extra protein since you're still healing from chemo. If that's their recommendation, I'd go with it.

Good point on the protein powder. I did that too, tossed in the smoothie. (make sure it's not soy! I got rice protein and there's even hemp protein...but no hemp buzz. dang!

julianna51, yeah, some of the recipes I found were time-consuming. But...if you have friends who have been asking how they can help, maybe they can pitch in here. (?) Ask them to make up some food you can have around the house that's high in protein. The book I liked best is The Cancer Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz but the recipes are time consuming. (she does have a section on "anytime food," so your friends could make things ahead of time and you have them around the house to eat anytime). Short of that, maybe try epicurious.com for lentil or quinoa recipes?

You can ask to have blood work done before you start radiation.  Ask to have your protein level check and your vitamin D level also.  My radiologist believes that women often have problems healing because their vitamin D levels are low.  

My protein levels where low after my BX and caused healing issues.   I was told to get some protein mix.  I was sent to a nutritionist and she said I should  get 100 grams of protein a day.  I had my protein levels checked several times to make sure they were going up.

During radiation I expressed concern about healing and the nurse gave me some samples of a mixture called juven that is mixed with water or juice.  It is to help with healing.  I was able to find it at a rite aide in town.  You have to look on the internet to see who carries it in your area.  I was given coupons for it that helped with the cost.  

I hope this helps. 

Hi sisters, my info is old, I am 13 years post treatment, but they told me food was great, but no supplements.  They weren't sure, but thought maybe the supplements would fight the rads and lessen their effectiveness.  I am not sure what they are saying now.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

My RO told me that the antioxidants in foods are not in high enough quantity to interfere with rads but that dietary supplements are.