The Importance of Nutrition and Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Thank you for your postI am good with my diet but need to exercise on a regular basis. Life gets in the way But I am trying to make myself a priority but old habits are sometimes hard to break.

Yes, prioritizing your nutrition and exercise is paramount during treatments and recovery. ❤️‍🩹 🙏

Thank you. I’m 5’6” and only weigh 104. I’m afraid they’re going to want to postpone chemo till I gain weight but even when I felt good I had a nonexistent appetite.

Hi Katie! I hope you are doing well today. It is crucial that you gain weight before you start your treatments, making smoothies and protein drinks may help you, it is much easier to drink things when you are not hungry. I lost 35 lbs during my treatments, but have gained back about 20. Good luck, keep fighting! ❤️‍🩹🙏

I love ice cream but some if my friends are aghast at the idea saying it’s too much sugar; that sugar is like jet fuel for cancer. I’d gain a lot faster if I included milkshakes. Any advice on that??

Hi Katie, one way to add calories to my shakes is to add half&half or heavy whipping cream, (plant based) protein powder. I avoid processed sugar. Instead I sweeten things with 100% organic raw honey. I have always been an ice cream lover, (cosmic Bliss vanilla bean) at sprouts is what I eat now. Bananas, Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, Pomegranate cubes, are all good sources of vitamins and antioxidants. 

I am 68 and found my plasmocytoma by having a calcium score. Which was 0. But there inside of the 7 left rib lays a soft tissue mass that involves the bone. WOW! Knock me over with a feather. I work at the hospital that did my calcium score. So I go to radiology dept and ask the tech if I could see it. I had to see it to believe it. So now it's biopsies, scans blood work. As you say a new normal. I see the radiology oncologist tomorrow. See how many treatments I will have to go thru.

Thank you for sharing such valuable insights about nutrition and exercise during treatment - this information can really help other community members facing similar challenges. The creative problem-solving approach to meeting calorie needs through smoothies and protein shakes when solid foods aren't an option shows incredible determination, and the reminder about reading labels for bioengineered ingredients adds another helpful layer for those looking to optimize their nutrition during this difficult time.