Life After Cancer: Food Edition

Cancer is so insidious because there is no one, definitive underlying cause. You can’t point to any one thing and say “that’s what caused this!” Getting cancer is almost like having to deal with that one boyfriend you were with for years who suddenly ghosted you with little to no closure; One day he was just simply gone and you had no idea what hit you or why. 

Because of the mystery surrounding cancer, it’s super easy to become paranoid about it, especially once you’ve had it. There are so many questions left unanswered. 

Since I’ve gotten cancer it has become nearly impossible for me to enjoy anything without thinking “will this cause it to come back?” It seems like literally everything causes cancer—bacon, beer, pesticides on vegetables, water bottles, face creams, AIR. I read an article not long ago that said ASPARAGUS is a cancer causing culprit. ASPARAGUS. Is nothing safe?!

I think one of the biggest hurdles I face as a patient is the thought “did I do this to myself?” and “if the cancer comes back will it be my fault?” I constantly worry when I have a sip of beer or have a slice of bacon in the morning that I am going to give myself cancer…again. I worry that if I don’t adhere to a strict gluten free, vegan, no fun diet that I will be dooming myself to another round of chemo. 

The problem with this line of thinking is that there really is no WHY to cancer; there is no reasoning behind it. There are healthy people who live vegetarian lifestyles and love to run, and they still get cancer. There are children who haven’t had the chance to pollute their bodies yet, and they still get cancer. Conversely, there are those who do drink and smoke and eat horribly yet never have to deal with cancer in their lives. I am not saying that smoking and drinking and eating poorly can’t cause cancer. I am just saying that in the end it seems like a bit of a crapshoot where even if you are completely healthy and avoid known carcinogens, you are not immune. 

So when it comes to my post chemo life I try my best not to stress so much. I am working my hardest and trying my best to be the healthiest version of myself that I can. It’s difficult because I am not a person who eats salads for fun. I don’t necessarily enjoy vegetables. I am more of a meat and potatoes kind of gal, but I am trying. I think that’s the best you can do. Work out more. Eat less of the bad stuff. Take your vitamins. Don’t stress yourself out more than you need to. Sleep.

I think the best thing you can do is practice moderation. Find out the best diet for your type of cancer and work your hardest to stick to it. I’ve had two of my doctors recommend a Mediterranean diet for me— a lot of vegetables and some light meat or fish. 

That being said, live life. Enjoy your time here while you can. If anything cancer has taught me to appreciate the little things, and sometimes that little thing is a big, juicy, cheese smothered burger. 

PS. To ease your mind further, I am part of many cancer groups where women who have survived for over 10-20 years have said they made no significant changes to their diets of way of life. You are not alone!!!!