Can I drink any alcohol?

Hi Kitty. I am so sorry about your diagnosis. My heart goes out to you.

I think your instinct to take great care of yourself re diet is smart and I feel the same way about my diet (and exercise), both things that I *can* do to make myself healthier.

Re booze; I gave it up 100% during treatment. I figured my poor liver had enough to do, dealing w my chemo. Now, 10 mos PFC, I do have an occasional drink when out, but I stick to spirits (lower glycemic index) and small amounts. I used to drink nightly but find that I did not miss it. So why add it back?

The Integrative MO I consulted with said the lowest incidence of cancer is correlated with a low fat (<20%), low meat (especially no cured meats), low dairy/egg yolk diet (whites ok). He recommended nutrient dense unprocessed foods and organic produce (especially for "the dirty dozen most pesticide-laden foods). Low carbs (no white carbs)-- but moderate amounts of complex carbs (lentils, beans, etc). Basically, that's a whole foods/ vegan diet with some deep sea wild-caught fish.

The MD whose guidance I followed is Dr Keith Block and he has book, "Life Over Cancer." He wanted me to consider my body in training to be my healthiest. He had me doing interval training the morning of my chemo days!

Again, I still eat a little bit of meat and dairy, but I keep it to once in a while, and a very small amount (like a few crumbles of feta in a large green salad). Somehow this leaves me feeling less deprived and makes it easier to stick to. (On my birthday I went for a flourless choc cake and ice cream and enjoyed ever bite!)

To me it's easier to think of what TO eat rather than what is forbidden. I lean towards 'anti-cancer' foods.... alliums (onions/farlic), mushrooms, cabbages/brocc/cauliflower, green/leafy vegs, peppers, seeds, nuts, avocado, and berries. I try to keep my diet to about 90% "approved" foods and then I get a little wiggle room for dinner at a friend's house when something else is served.

Exercise of 30-60 mins per day (3.5 hours/week) is also very very good statistically. When you exercise intensively the actual pressure generated in the blood vessels can crush the damaged C cells. So that's pretty good motivation!

Kitty, when getting a stage iv diagnosis, I think some of us start bargaining."I will stop drinking and maybe this diagnosis can be reversed."

I was so afraid of food for about a year after being diagnosed. All that stuff you hear: sugar, alcohol and red meat are bad for you, white carbs break down to sugar and that's bad, don't eat processed food, blah blah blah.....

I never drank much. But a couple years after diagnosis, my ds turned 21 and wanted to try all the alcohols. Because of him, I sampled different kinds of wine, whiskey and mixed drinks. Not every night. Once or twice a month. I enjoyed an occasional sip of coffee moonshine, Riesling wine, firejack whiskey or margaritas. It was fun trying them out,

About a year ago, my dh gave up drinking, So I almost never drink now because I'm honoring his givng it up and drinking alcohol really doesn't matter to me. Had maybe two margaritas this year..

Don't punish yourself. I've no idea the amount of alcohol you consume, but I don't see why you should completely abstain. Especially if it's a celebratory thing like New Years or a wedding. But an occasional drink, why not enjoy it.