Has anyone tried a FMD (fasting mimicking diet) before chemo?

@loulou2023, I understand your desire to make the chemo as effective as possible. However, please be careful about stressing your body before undergoing treatment that stresses your body, such as chemotherapy. I've always taken the attitude that I want to empower my body to fight off the disease itself by trying the known body-beneficial treatments: I lost weight, walked every day, used weights 2 or 3 times a week (pretty small weights to start), and made sure to sleep 8 hours a night. 6 years after chemo, and then brain surgery and radiation to the brain - twice - and I'm still following that plan. I'm also still working every day and exhausting myself with yardwork every weekend. 🙂

I'm not sure where you read those articles, but I haven't seen that particular recommendation in the medical literature. Personally, before starting chemo, I consulted a registered dietician friend, who recommended a diet high in fruits and vegetables. The phytonutrients contained in them aid the body in withstanding the chemo side effects.

The Checkmate regimen involves immunotherapy and limited chemotherapy to enhance the immunotherapy. The effects of immunotherapy last much longer than the effects of chemotherapy, so I'm glad to hear you're eligible. Immunotherapy does take a bit of time to start working and can be accompanied by pseudo-progression early on. I just saw a presentation on immunotherapy yesterday by Dr. Stephen Liu as part of my training to become a patient research advocate. I would ask your doctor if the apparent return of your cancer could be due to pseudo-progression, which looks like the cancer is getting worse but is an accumulation of white blood cells doing their job. This is one of those areas where the intuition of a trained, experienced physician, which I and Dr. Google are not, is invaluable.

Best of luck with your treatments and let us know how they work out.

@loulou2023, I'm sorry to hear that your cancer has recurred. Just when you thought you were clear, you're hit with this additional hurdle. I'm glad to know that you are already being treated.
Of course, you'll want to check with your oncologist before starting any fasting regimen. As Matthew mentions, speaking with an oncology based dietitian may be helpful. The immunotherapy involved in your treatment may complicate the situation too.
I've also seen a recent discussion on the Breast Cancer group: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-tried-fasting-2-3-days-prior-to-chemo/
Also helpful: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-to-know-about-fasting-during-cancer-treatment.h00-159694389.html
When I was first diagnosed my hilar lymph nodes were enlarged and placing pressure on the structures in the area. Is the hilar mass causing you any problems? Hopefully the proton beam therapy can help, and soon.

Hey Lisa!
I seem to be having the most issue with part of my tumor is endobronchial. It causes shortness of breath. I am waiting for my insurance to approve Proton therapy. The doctor said he could do radiation again to the same place, but I’m really hesitant to do that. Everything I read says you can have a lot of adverse effects with irradiation. I went to Mayo for a 2nd opinion and they felt Proton was the best course. I am currently being treated at Emory in Atlanta.
What treatments have you had?

@loulou2023, These decisions can be so tough. Hopefully you receive news from your insurance company soon. I've been on a targeted therapy for over four years now, and it has been effective and fairly well tolerated. I know that it will stop working someday, and I'm already beyond the expected duration of effectiveness. I'll have some more decisions to make in the future, but I am hoping for clear scans in the meantime, later this month.
Best of luck to you, let us know what comes of your request for the proton therapy.

I was approved for Proton. I go Friday for a simulator appointment.
I have squamous and unfortunately no markers which can be targeted.
I started chemo on 10/14 with carboplatin and Abraxane.
anyone else have this combo???

Hi @loulou2023, Thinking of you, and wondering how you are doing. Are you still continuing with chemo? Started the proton therapy/radiation yet?

Hey! Thanks for checking on me. Yes, still on weekly chemo. Proton starts on Nov 18. There is a wait to get it as so few centers offer it.
I lost all my hair last week!
Still have leg hair…..i would have appreciated losing that lol

@loulou2023, This is a tough time, but I'm glad you're keeping your sense of humor. Take the time you need on those low days and try enjoy the good in life. I hope the proton goes well. I've heard great things! Take care.