What the heck is that all about and what can I eat?

When my naturopathic oncologist suggested I switch to this diet. We all went into immediate research mode!

First it is important to understand how cancerous cells divide.

“Cancer cells can divide without receiving the ‘all clear’ signal. While normal cells will stop division in the presence of genetic (DNA) damage, cancer cells will continue to divide. The results of this are ‘daughter’ cells that contain abnormal DNA or even abnormal numbers of chromosomes.

https://www.genentechoncology.com/pathways/cancer-tumor-targets/hallmarks-of-cancer.html?c=bio-171f135f175&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv8P1nsSq9QIVIw_nCh1VJgzBEAAYASAAEgKIpfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

So basically, the cancer cells have no filter and will keep reproducing even though they are abnormal.

The science is complicated! but they don’t reproduce like regular cells, think mitosis and the krebs cycle from high school biology. It is complex and way beyond my brain’s capabilities! The bottom line is that the cells use glucose as its energy source to multiply. The more glucose that is readily available the more the cells divide!!!!Thus- the goal of the keto diet is in cutting back the amount of dietary glucose available to the tumor cells so slowing or stopping their growth. The ketones produced in a keto diet, also disrupt the pathways associated with the progression of the disease. One important instance of this is the blood/brain barrier. Low carb diet allows the chemo drugs to target the tumor which is really important. Again, the science is beyond me!!!!!!!

SO, what do I eat?

Breakfast is a rotation of:

• Smoothie

• Eggs

• Almond milk yogurt and Dave’s granola with berries.

Lunch

usually, a salad with kale or spinach and a protein on top

Dinner is veggies and a protein!

That is it!!!!

Starve the buggers!!!!

How am I doing?

Honestly this last couple of weeks have found me with low energy! I am almost back to 2 naps a day between PT, yoga and walks. It is fine though I have the luxury of time right now as I am not at work. I miss the buzz of school, the camaraderie with staff and the energy of the kids however I also can’t imagine being there and trying to keep up with everything. Just writing this took a few hours!

I was very anxious about the second dose of chemo that I take 5 days out of 28 but it seems not to make much difference to my body. I am just poisoning it double for 5 days in a month!!!!

I know I say this each blog post but I truly appreciate all the support I get from near and far. It means a lot.

Coming up….

Feb 10th is MRI #2 Here’s hoping for no new tumor growth!!