Hi there. I have been diagnosed a second time now but with metastatic cancer this time. I had 6 weeks from being diagnosed until I finally got an oncologist appointment. In this time I had done a lot of research and decided a 3 weeks water fast was my best bet to keep the cancer from progressing in that time.
I had my oncology appointment and I told him I’d been fasting, he was visibly annoyed and said ‘you do know we don’t agree with that’, and then said he can refuse treatment if I continued. Also when asked about foods to avoid he said absolutely none, go and eat anything you want! Me and my partner were so shocked. As if to say I was a lost cause who’s going to die so just enjoy it while I can. Since hearing his opinion on fasting and eating whatever I like I have asked to see another oncologist and even debating whether to go ahead with treatment.
Has anyone else experienced opinions like this concerning fasting and diet with their oncologist? I really wish we had an open minded and a nutritionally wise oncologist who I could genuinely take advice from.
Thanks
That’s a terrible way to talk to you but don’t let his attitude put you off receiving the right treatment. My first oncologist was awful and later found out she was a temp. I hope you find a better oncologist it will make such a difference.
Diet is quite a topic and there are some very broad ideas. All my medical team have said is to eat a balanced diet with good range of food types. They did point out grapefruit conflicts with some medicines and to avoid. They also mentioned alcohol, which I now understand can change the body’s chemical reactions with estrogen (I’ve probably not explained that well).
He may have been concerned that fasting is depriving your body of energy or nutrients - whatever the reason he should have explained that to you in a professional manner and offered constructive advice.
I didn’t fast as long as you but did this:
Cycle 3
I ate high protein from Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues and last meal Wed breakfast 8:30am (which was high protein).
Just water after Wed 8:30am and ate Thur post treatment 7:30pm
Cycle 4 same as above but first meal post treatment was Fri AM
I didn’t have the horrible chemical feeling/wee post treatment and my fatigue is a lot less this time (like weirdly less).
I also took hydration tabs 2-3 days before treatment, during treatment & for 5 days after treatment.
I never mentioned it as I was worried about resistance
I’m sorry he spoke to you in such a manner and I would say you’re in charge of your body
If they are worried about the stress you may put on your body they should explain this
And you can make a decision
Hope you get through this xxx