NOTE:  I am not a doctor but just providing information that I found helpful during my journey.  Before starting or stopping any medicines, changing your diet, etc. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.  They will provide you with the best treatment for you and your personal situation.  Also, I am not paid by any of the companies below for sharing their product.  This is strictly informational on what I used and what has worked for me.  Xo, Tracy

I consulted with Dr. Glen H. Luepnitz, PH. D. with N4H Research in Georgetown, Texas shortly after my diagnosis – link here.  Dr. Luepnitz is still hosting zoom calls, which means you can see him from ANYWHERE.  He’s super busy and you may have a wait a bit to see him, however, if you are a cancer patient, ask to be added to the cancellation list.  They will often prioritize cancer patients.  One of the things he recommended for us is to do the 23 and me testing, which we did.  Once you get your results back you can share the raw data will him and he will provide feedback on what genetic deficiencies you have, what supplements to take or not take and anything else that is helpful.  Mano and I both found out that we have a genetic deficiency with lidocaine, Novocain and anethesia medicines.  We both process those quickly which explains why I needed 7 doses of Versed (midazolam), yes 7, to get my port placed.  Knowing this helped me to have educated conversations with my anesthesiologist at MD Anderson before my lumpectomy and breast conserving surgery.  Dr. Luepnitz helps everyone with all different issues, not just cancer.  Trust me, this will be the best money you have ever spent. 

• Food/eating recommendations – front load calories during the day, until about 3 pm.
• Focus on the Mediterranean diet when you finish chemotherapy
• During treatment – sterile diet, cook with healthy oils (olive oil, etc.)
• No salads, no raw veggies – wash and peeled veggies okay, frozen veggies are best, use food handler gloves.  The reason for this is that many food handlers do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom.  (Gross!)  When you are in the middle of chemotherapy your stomach lining is affected by the chemotherapy and you are more likely to get sick from contaminated food.
• Practice a toothless diet – steamed food, marinated food, stir-fried food, shredded chicken, etc.
• Wasting – Exercise to prevent too much muscle loss, exercise 3x a day – small things like 10 min walks (note – I walk once a day, I get what he’s recommending but…)
• Physical movement is good – bicep curls, triceps curls, etc.
• Take nutrients after exercise to get the advantage of the insulin spike – drink liquid protein after exercise (collagen & water 4 oz. 15-30 grams)
• Daily protein needs – weight x .454 = XXkg  then take XXkg x 1.5 protein for 60 min of activity = XXX grams of protein a day.  Max protein per sitting is 40 grams, while on chemo focus on 30-35 grams of protein at a time.
• If you can make things like a homemade chicken stock to drink – 1 cup is great for protein (make yourself with a whole chicken, frozen veggies, etc.)
• Beans are good
• Whole grains – brown rice, etc.

Updated September 18, 2022