Just been to see my oncologist, on the tail end of the cancer treatment. Chemo finished, all looks good, I'm clear of cancer and now looking down the path of the once or twice yearly checks for the next seven years. So great news.

My oncologist has given me some guidance - I'm at increased risk of bowel cancer now anyway having had it once, but I'm also having some genetic testing as its looking increasingly likely that we have Lynch syndrome in the family which gives me an 80% chance of another tumour in the future.

so - important nutrients are selenium, Vitamin D and Calcium - need to be supplemented because I cant ingest enough dairy and selenium is very lacking in our fresh produce because our soil is crap and our farming methods stink. Brazil nuts probably the best food source. Have to take aspirin daily despite it being a stomach irritant and not good for banded peoples, but oh well. Recommended fish oil/omega 3 also although that's easier to take without supplementing just by using flax oil, eating fish a few times a week and using flaxseed on cereals. Lots of fruit and vegies - much less red meat, NO processed meat (ham bacon, salami) at all ever is the current recommendation which is not a biggie for me as I'm not overly fond of such things. Lots of onions and tumeric (lucky I'm a good curry cook).

its soooo much to remember. By the time I lay out the pills and the daily foods I need to ingest, there wont be room for anythng else, that's for sure!

but it makes you really think about how problematic it is to have allowed yourself to become so obese that you need surgery. On the one hand, my healthy weight and regular exercise habits greatly reduce my risk of cancer but on the other, the restrictions of the band make a healthy cancer reducing diet virtually impossible to manage. If I was anti a high Protein high diet containing red meat, processed meats and such before, I certainly wont be venturing there now! But ironically Protein shakes (my pet hate) if you choose the soy ones, contain lots of isovflavones which are a good cancer preventer! Unfortunately if you're a man, you might also grow breasts but hey.

Just food for thought - it really is very inmportant not to waste stomach space on crap food very often when our needs are so varied.

Congratulations on being cancer free. You are a very wise woman and I am sure will follow doctors advice. Good luck with your future heath. Karen

So glad to hear you are cancer free! You have been through a lot and handled it really well. I agree that nutrition is key and I guess I never thought I would say this but other than a few rare indulgences I am now eating to live long and healthy! I think the band has changed my tastes or maybe its just the good feeling of fitting into a size 6 instead of 16! Well keep on and thanks, as always for all the help you have given to all of us!

jacqui, congrats on a hard earned dx of being cancer free!

Jacqui, you've had such a hard time these last few years. It's great that you're back on track. And knowing you, you'll figure out a way to get everything you need. Continued good luck with things!

Dave

So pleased you are cancer free. You are a fighter, survivor and strong woman! Best wishes always.