| The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy the | | | | * Regularly drink freshly juiced carrots, apples, |
| spread of the cancer cells in the breast tissue or | | | | ginger, celery and fresh mint with wheatgerm. |
| lymph nodes. Although chemotherapeutic agents | | | | * During chemotherapy, eat soft foods, such as |
| have a devastating effect on the cancer cells, the | | | | mushy rice, mashed potatoes, soft-boiled eggs, |
| body pays a price: the liver, kidneys and other | | | | minced chicken, grilled or poached fish, |
| organs with healthy cells are severely affected | | | | overcooked or pureed vegetables, soups, juices, |
| too, because the chemo agents aren't able to | | | | porridge, lentils and fresh (non-citrus) fruits. |
| target only the cancer cells. Up to six cycles of | | | | * Always avoid foods that agitate the body, such |
| chemo seems to offer optimum benefit, as any | | | | as coffee, excess salt strong spices, sugar, yeast |
| more therapy would increase the toxicity in the | | | | products, red meat fatty or fried foods, canned |
| body to an unacceptable degree. When | | | | products, plus soft drinks, alcohol and cigarettes. |
| chemotherapy is over, the body has to rebuild | | | | Supplements |
| everything quickly - like reconstructing a house | | | | From the start of chemotherapy, take the |
| after a hurricane. The sooner the body's wellbeing | | | | following to support the body's functions: |
| is reinstated, the better chance it has of going | | | | * Multivitamin and Mineral: one daily for three |
| into a remission or cure. | | | | months. |
| In my experience, there is a lot you can do to | | | | * Stomach Formula: two twice daily for two |
| build up your physical and mental strength as soon | | | | months. |
| as your cancer is diagnosed, and you should keep | | | | Relaxation |
| up this programme for the long term. Stress | | | | * Try meditation, chanting prayer, creative |
| management is paramount you need to control | | | | visualisation, and singing, playing music, painting, |
| emotions such as anger, frustration, fear and | | | | dancing, recreational sports or games. I also |
| embarrassment. My own belief is that saying | | | | recommend therapeutic iyengar yoga, which |
| things such as, 'I'll fight it tooth and nail, care | | | | combines exercise and meditation. It incorporates |
| counterproductive: you can maintain your fighting | | | | pranayama - the art of breathing, which calms |
| spirit most effectively by staying calm. It is best | | | | and stills the mind while supplying blood and |
| to accept the condition, approach it spiritually and | | | | oxygen to the body's cells. (Vigorous yogas lack |
| rectify the damage to your body and mind. If you | | | | the peace the body needs to slow down the |
| create serenity within yourself and slow down | | | | madness of cell division.) |
| your mind and body, this may check the spread | | | | * Read a book on Therapeutic Yoga, particularly |
| of cancer cells. Worries, stress, financial difficulties, | | | | practice the corpse pose with retention breathing |
| and so on, will always be there, but you have to | | | | (breathe in for three seconds, hold for three to |
| learn to become 'immune' to them: doing this will | | | | six seconds and breathe out for six seconds). |
| help you most. | | | | Massage |
| Starting to get the 'feel good' factor back is a | | | | Ask someone to massage your neck, shoulders, |
| sign of your body's innate healing power | | | | back, calves and the soles of your feet every |
| responding to the changes you've made. This | | | | week, but to avoid the breasts and lymph nodes. |
| force - which we take for granted to mend cuts, | | | | Reflexology is excellent, too. |
| bruises and broken bones - can help you | | | | Nutritional therapy |
| overcome your maladies. | | | | When the liver is sluggish and the appetite is poor |
| Here are my suggestions: | | | | - or there is a digestive problem, as in your case - |
| Diet | | | | you lack nutrients at the time you need them |
| * Try to eat organic foods whenever possible. | | | | most. |