Tips for living a healthy, vibrant life from one cool cat lady

First One Done!

Whew! I made it through my first round of chemo, and in retrospect, I don’t think it was that bad, although I didn’t feel that way on Thursday night…

Thursday morning I woke up feeling great, because of all the things I’ve been doing, which I will outline below. At 10 am we went for the first infusion of adrimacyn and cytoxan (why are the names of the drugs so frightening?) All went smoothly, I only felt a little strange as the drugs were going in. They give you a big dose of steroids before they start the drugs and that definitely helps!

As the day wore on, I felt worse and worse. I had a terrible headache and nausea. I tried the Compazine but that didn’t do much so I just stayed in bed until I fell asleep and thankfully slept well all night.

So here’s the crazy part. I woke up the next morning feeling fantastic. Yes, really! Now, I understand this was just my first treatment and apparently it builds up in your system, getting worse each time, but I must be doing something right.

I want to share the details of what I’m doing for those of you who are interested and especially for those of you who may have to go through this. As I say on the front page of this website, I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Nothing on this website is meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek professional medical advice and do your own research beyond what I offer here in order to find modalities that may work for you. Got it?

Fasting During Chemo

There are many legitimate research studies showing that fasting during chemo can reduce side effects and increase the efficacy of the treatment, and since I’m an experienced faster I wanted to try it.

I talked to the oncology nutritionist at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and she recommended I try a restricted calorie diet instead of a complete water fast. This means 500 calories per day including 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, starting one to two days before treatment through one day after treatment.

I followed this plan from Wednesday through Friday this time and I believe it made a huge difference. I have done juice fasting for many years and I always feel great, so I’m not surprised this worked for me. The research shows that it is good for certain cancers and types of chemo, breast cancer being one of them.

There is a great podcast on cancer.net with an interview on the topic, plus there is tons of other research online if you Google “fasting and chemotherapy”.

Naturopathic Treatments

I have been working with my naturopathic oncologist through this whole ordeal and he has me on several therapies to boost my immune system. There are so many, it’s hard to tell which ones are working, but I’m willing to do everything to get good results. Here’s a summary of the things I take (remember, talk to your own doctor before starting ANY of these!)

  • IV Vitamin C Therapy for immune boosting and healing after surgery
  • Glutamine powder to help with mouth sores
  • CoQ10 to help with healthy heart function
  • Pectasol-C
  • Low Dose Naltrexone for immune system boosting
  • Melatonin
  • Vitamin D
  • Methylfolate
  • Viscum (mistletoe) Therapy for immune system boosting
  • Traumeel for pain

Herbal Remedies

I’m also adding a few herbal remedies that I read about in one of my favorite books, Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed.

  • Slippery Elm
  • Milk Thistle
  • Burdock Root
  • Horsetail
  • Nettle
  • Schizandra Berry
  • Dandelion Root
  • Yellowdock Root
  • Ginko
  • Oatstraw
  • Ginseng

Medical Marijuana

I have applied for my medical marijuana card so I can start investigating CBD/THC and how it can be used to help with the side effects of chemo. I am still waiting for my card and I have some research to do in this area but it sounds promising and will likely be helpful as the treatments progress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is fantastic for nausea, pain, fatigue and other side effects of chemo. I go to Phoenix Community Acupuncture at least once or twice a week.

Stress Management & Relaxation

I also think it’s important to take time to relax during treatment and try to balance the mind and body. My favorite modalities include meditation and sound healing. I’ve been attending workshops and private sessions with Tibetan Singing Bowls, Crystal Healing Bowls and Gong Therapy, all are wonderful therapies that use vibrations for relaxation and deep healing.

Exercise & Diet

And of course, getting regular exercise, eating properly and staying hydrated are incredibly important through all of this. Check out the cookbook section on this website for some of my favorites!

So that’s my plan of attack for getting through this, I welcome any other suggestions for treatments that have helped you or someone you know. I hope this information is helpful for some of you who many need it now or in the future. I’ll be posting more updates soon!



7 thoughts on “First One Done!”

  • Glad to hear that you’ve feeling really well. You’re obviously well read on helpful things to do and to take, and it’s helping you to stay on top of this. We’re cheering for you!

  • It is great news that you got through this so well. I hope this continues with your further treatments. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research.

  • I’m so excited that you’re feeling so good – and I truly hope it continues! I think everything you’ve been doing to boost your system has been a huge help – keep up the great research!
    I had no idea you were right here in AZ – I’m in Cave Creek! AND, Scottsdale Healthcare/Shea (or whoever they are now) has my right kidney for a cancer study (yes, I had cancer too). If you need anything – TRULY, please let me know. I have a friend in Cave Creek who is going through every natural cure she can to beat cancer as well so if you need introducing on FB, let me know! I wish you didn’t have to go through chemo, but you’re going about it the best way possible! xx

  • I love how you are handling all of this and am so happy the first treatment went well, praying the others do too………I think your supplements and all that you are doing are brilliant!

  • Your natural therapies sound very good. Slippery elm was what my ancestors would use for pain, and it was the precursor of aspirin, one of the few drugs I’d call “good”.
    Hope you are getting a lot of loving support from your family as well — that is SO important. C.A.T. (Cat-Assisted Therapy) is best! *PRAYERS* ongoing and all the best thoughts for you, Kate!

  • Great update. I’m just so in awe of you – how you take charge of your treatment and its path and research and study and learn. I am sure it is all so overwhelming yet you handle everything you do with such grace and positivity! I am convinced that vibes and hugs (in person and virtual) help too, so I am sending them both to you. Love you, Kate!

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