A Calm Digestive System and Encouraging Scan Results

Over the last week I’m pleased to report that the inflammation reported in my last blog (9^th September 2015) has subsided, with the help of Omeprazole, and I’m gearing up for the next session of chemotherapy tomorrow (Thursday 17^th September).

As I will be starting a new drug (Accelerated Taxol) on 17^th September, it will be impossible to compare side effects with the previous weeks, but I plan to follow the same regime (350 calories a day for 2 days prior and 4 days after chemotherapy treatment). This time, however, I will be keeping starchy carbohydrates and sugar to an absolute minimum after breaking fast, in an attempt to protect my digestive system.  I will report back next week!

I had a second scan today and I’m happy to report that the tumours appear to have shrunk by about 50% overall since the beginning of treatment. I am so grateful for this good news and cannot imagine how it must be to receive less positive scan results.

Sample Fasting Recipe: Baked Cod with Salsa Verde and Kale

To give you an idea of the kind of meals my partner (who is fasting for 48 hours in support each time) and I are enjoying, I’m sharing this tasty recipe for you to try.

Serves: 2 people

Calories: 160 per serving

Ingredients

• 2x 100g cod fillets
• Juice of half a lemon
• 100g kale (or spinach) chopped
• Salt and pepper

For the Salsa Verde

• A handful each of fresh parsley, basil and mint
• 2x anchovy fillets
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
• Dash of olive oil
• Water to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180⁰C (fan) or 200⁰C (non-fan) or Gas Mark 6
2. Blitz the ingredients for the Salsa Verde in a food processor, adding water slowly until the sauce is as smooth and thick as possible
3. Using a pastry brush, apply a tiny bit of olive oil to the cod fillets, then season, and squeeze over the juice of half a lemon
4. Bake the cod fillets in a hot oven for 5-7 minutes or until the flesh is milky white in colour and flakes nicely
5. Steam the kale for 5-7 minutes or until tender
6. Serve the cod on a bed of kale with the Salsa Verde on the side or drizzled over the top, and enjoy…

A Mindful Approach

The simple act of paying attention and being in the present can be incredibly powerful and has now become mainstream.

My approach is inspired by the work of Jon Kabatt Zinn, PhD, founding Executive Director of the Centre for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts. He has advised the UK government on mental health policy and has been one of the leaders of dialogue between science and Buddhism. I was introduced to his work by the excellent team at the Barts Hospital  Chronic Fatigue Service in London.

If you have the time and inclination I recommend his book, Full Catastrophe Living, or his meditation CD, Mindfulness for Beginners. The great thing about his work is it is very grounded and evidence based.

But if you don’t have time to read his work, here is my simple take on it. I boiled it  down into the PLANNTB acronym  – seven simple words or attitudes that will help you pay attention and be in the present…. will help you cultivate the power of mindfulness.

1. Patience – with yourself, with those around you, with your situation;
2. Let go – of stress, of worry, of tension;
3. Accept – your situation, it won’t last forever, this is just your reality for the time being;
4. Non striving – you don’t need to be anywhere or anyone else, just be comfortable in your own skin;
5. Non judging – don’t judge yourself or those around you, what they say or what they do;
6. Trust – your body to heal itself, to take care of you.
7. Beginner’s Mind – approach each day afresh and remember that even the most wise Buddhist spiritual leaders will tell you that they know nothing.

The key here is really meaning the words, really putting them into action. I am finding I can face almost anything with access to the PLANNTB – I hope it is of use to you.

Thanks again for reading. Do get in touch if you have experience of fasting for chemo you would like to share!

Della x

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this post or any other post on this blog is based on personal experience and should not be viewed in any way as medical or other advice. If you are considering fasting for chemo, please consult your healthcare provider.

Copyright © 2015 Johnson