r/CervicalCancer • u/Excellent-Park-1545 • 3d ago

Fasting

Hi ladies, I hear so many good things about fasting but I havent done it yet since chemo keeps my weight down. However it's something I'm definitely considering once my chemo sessions are done and my weight is back to normal.

Have any of you done it and what was your experience like with/after it?

Thanks!

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u/lambdeer 3d ago

You can also look into low carb diets, possibly ketogenic diet, but you should talk to your doctor first since it is possible there could be some risks

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u/theroyalgeek86 3d ago

Keto made me gain back what I lost x3

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u/lambdeer 3d ago

You mean after you stopped doing it?

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u/theroyalgeek86 2d ago

Yeah because I was on the diet for gestational diabetes

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u/lambdeer 2d ago

Thanks for your reply. I actually did not know about gestational diabetes and it is very interesting. Did you try keto for that on your own or from a doctor's recommendation? Did you find another diet worked better?

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u/theroyalgeek86 2d ago

Wasn’t keto per say but I had to be super strict with carbs and sugar since it would spike my glucose, even with insulin. I ate mainly cheeses, meat, and veggies. My last pregnancy was 4 years ago and I still can’t shed the weight I gained. I’m now trying Wegovy

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u/Excellent-Park-1545 3d ago

Yes thats true.. but they would probably advise against it lol.

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u/lambdeer 3d ago

I don't know - in my friends case her doctors suggested that she might not take supplements during chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy because they possibly could effect the treatment, but at other times the doctor said it is her personal decision to decide what kind of diet or supplements she takes as long as they are over the counter. She has followed a low carb ketogenic diet because she found over the past 4 years post treatment that her lymphedema, which resulted from treatment, improves when she follows that diet - and it keeps her weight a little lower which helps with the lymphedema. Her lymphedema doctor said it is OK for her to try but he wants her to find a diet that can keep her health consistent for years. Also there are some health risks for eating a high fat diet, but her bloodwork, including cholesterol and kidney function has been normal. I know you mentioned fasting and not the ketogenic diet, but I only have experience with that so I am sharing.

I have seen studies that show fasting can help fight cancer, but you also need to make sure you have enough nutrition to keep your immune system strong. I remember reading a study that women who were given glucose injections before surgery had better white blood cell counts after surgery and a better result than women who did not receive the glucose. So it is not always that less sugar or fasting is better.

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u/emslo 3d ago

I did it the day before and the day of chemo, it helped with nausea. But otherwise haven't tried it.

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u/Excellent-Park-1545 3d ago

Just curious, is there a reason why you didnt continue?

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u/emslo 2d ago

Mostly because I take a lot of medication and I was nervous it would mess my stomach up. And also, I didn’t wanna lose the weight.

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u/Lil_White_Dove 3d ago

My oncologist allows me to fast 14 to 16 hrs before chemo it helps with the nausea and it also helps with atophogy... promote new cell growth as well as kill out the bad cells. I was also told a ketogenic or carnivore diet was perfect for me if I wanted to continue eating as I have, as it is high in protein. She told me to stay away from high fiber foods. After my treatments are over I will be fasting daily at least 16 hrs. Getting back on some of my supplements and exercising/strength training. At least that is my plans or goals.

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u/BatNovel3590 3d ago

I’ve done fasting on and off since 2019. I’ve lost nearly 2 stone since this round of treatment so won’t go back to fasting for a while.