› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Melanoma treatment combined with diet
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Gene_S.
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- September 8, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Hello everyone, I have been reading a lot about diet helping once diagnosed with melanoma. Specifically a vegan/plant based diet (here is a video summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHj93P3P7Mw)
I am already vegan myself, my Father is the one who has been diagnosed and he is not. He eats a conventional diet, although it would be considered a 'healthier' conventional diet, no fast food and lots of vegetables and fruit. It contains meat and fish with meals 2~ times a day. Milk/butter at breakfast and food containing dairy throughout the day in various forms.
As a vegan I already believe in the positive effects and have experienced the positive effects of the diet – although not anywhere near to the extent of helping with any illness etc.
What I am hoping to find out is must he choose chemotherapy (for example) or vegan diet, or can he do both side by side?
Nothing I can find tells me that, it's always diet vs conventional treatments. For example, would chemotherapy hinder the results of the vegan diet? I have no worries that a vegan diet would cause him harm, as I have been vegan for sometime and I am healthy and avid gym goer and never had any issues resulting from missing anything due to not eating meat or dairy.
I don't want to force him to do anything he doesn't want to and I know knowing my family the choice between the hospital and diet, the hospital would win every time. I also do not know anywhere near enough to put anyone off going to the hospital.
I do not know what stage his cancer is at. He has not had a scan yet, he was only told 2-3 days ago that he had melanoma after a biopsy on a lump removed from his arm. His scan is next week.
If it is ok to go with conventional treatments and vegan diet side by side I have created a short playlist of videos to show my family to make them aware of the option without overloading them or my Father with information and statistics.
Thanks for any help you can be 🙂
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- September 8, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Hi Andrew,
I have advised folks on diet and medicine for a long time (more than 30 years). I have had melanoma for a long time (13 years). There is no harm at all in being vegan along with being anything else in life and that includes being a melanoma patient. As a true vegan (melanoma patient or not) one has to be very careful in order to get appropriate balance and protein in ones diet but that can be done. As a melanoma patient on immunotherapy (which would most likely be what your father would be prescribed…if he needs systemic treatment at al!!) getting full and complete nutrition is important, but that can certainly be done while maintaining a vegan diet. So…the short answer to your question is…YES!! You can be vegan and have melanoma and melanoma treatment. However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
You may (or may not) be interested in a post I wrote some time ago about what to do and say for a cancer "friend". It is clearly just my opinion and thoughts on the subject…though corroborated by many who have shared a similar journey. If you like: http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2015/08/what-to-say-and-doand-notfor-cancer.html
So again, going vegan would do your father no harm, nor be an obstacle to any treatment or care he might need. However, he is going to have to accept many changes and reconcile a major diagnosis in a short period and I don't know that veganism is a change he would want to embrace just now, nor a necessary one, given the healthy diet you report that he ascribes to. I wish you and your father my very best. Celeste
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- September 8, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Hi Andrew,
I have advised folks on diet and medicine for a long time (more than 30 years). I have had melanoma for a long time (13 years). There is no harm at all in being vegan along with being anything else in life and that includes being a melanoma patient. As a true vegan (melanoma patient or not) one has to be very careful in order to get appropriate balance and protein in ones diet but that can be done. As a melanoma patient on immunotherapy (which would most likely be what your father would be prescribed…if he needs systemic treatment at al!!) getting full and complete nutrition is important, but that can certainly be done while maintaining a vegan diet. So…the short answer to your question is…YES!! You can be vegan and have melanoma and melanoma treatment. However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
You may (or may not) be interested in a post I wrote some time ago about what to do and say for a cancer "friend". It is clearly just my opinion and thoughts on the subject…though corroborated by many who have shared a similar journey. If you like: http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2015/08/what-to-say-and-doand-notfor-cancer.html
So again, going vegan would do your father no harm, nor be an obstacle to any treatment or care he might need. However, he is going to have to accept many changes and reconcile a major diagnosis in a short period and I don't know that veganism is a change he would want to embrace just now, nor a necessary one, given the healthy diet you report that he ascribes to. I wish you and your father my very best. Celeste
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- September 8, 2016 at 3:32 pm
However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
I understand that. Thanks for the reply Celeste and for your well wishes, I hope the same for you and your family 🙂
While I understand it won't change what has already happened I also believe that certain foods can promote cancer. I believe a vegan diet is one that is less likely to do that. For that reason it would be a better diet to continue with rather than a diet that is known to cause various forms of cancer.
It may not be a cure but if it doesn't aid and abet cancer that's also a big deal 🙂
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- September 8, 2016 at 3:32 pm
However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
I understand that. Thanks for the reply Celeste and for your well wishes, I hope the same for you and your family 🙂
While I understand it won't change what has already happened I also believe that certain foods can promote cancer. I believe a vegan diet is one that is less likely to do that. For that reason it would be a better diet to continue with rather than a diet that is known to cause various forms of cancer.
It may not be a cure but if it doesn't aid and abet cancer that's also a big deal 🙂
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- September 8, 2016 at 3:32 pm
However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
I understand that. Thanks for the reply Celeste and for your well wishes, I hope the same for you and your family 🙂
While I understand it won't change what has already happened I also believe that certain foods can promote cancer. I believe a vegan diet is one that is less likely to do that. For that reason it would be a better diet to continue with rather than a diet that is known to cause various forms of cancer.
It may not be a cure but if it doesn't aid and abet cancer that's also a big deal 🙂
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- September 8, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Hi Andrew,
I have advised folks on diet and medicine for a long time (more than 30 years). I have had melanoma for a long time (13 years). There is no harm at all in being vegan along with being anything else in life and that includes being a melanoma patient. As a true vegan (melanoma patient or not) one has to be very careful in order to get appropriate balance and protein in ones diet but that can be done. As a melanoma patient on immunotherapy (which would most likely be what your father would be prescribed…if he needs systemic treatment at al!!) getting full and complete nutrition is important, but that can certainly be done while maintaining a vegan diet. So…the short answer to your question is…YES!! You can be vegan and have melanoma and melanoma treatment. However, being a vegan would not have prevented your father's condition nor will it change the prognosis he currently has. I wish it would but it won't.
You may (or may not) be interested in a post I wrote some time ago about what to do and say for a cancer "friend". It is clearly just my opinion and thoughts on the subject…though corroborated by many who have shared a similar journey. If you like: http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2015/08/what-to-say-and-doand-notfor-cancer.html
So again, going vegan would do your father no harm, nor be an obstacle to any treatment or care he might need. However, he is going to have to accept many changes and reconcile a major diagnosis in a short period and I don't know that veganism is a change he would want to embrace just now, nor a necessary one, given the healthy diet you report that he ascribes to. I wish you and your father my very best. Celeste
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- September 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. I know this must be a very scary time for both you and your family, and I commend you for wanting to improve your father's health. Diet is definitely a way to improve one's health and wellbeing.
However, he must walk his own path as does everyone on this forum. I was overwhelmed when I was first diagnosed with all kinds of information on supplements, diet, drugs, treatment options…everyone and their mother had an idea of how to "solve my problem". My best advice would be to talk with him about the option of changing his diet, but don't push him. Let him decide his path. If he decides to change, then be his guide. If he decides against the change, then continue to support him in his decision and be there for him throughout his treatment. Don't nag and don't force, as this will only lead him to pull back from your much needed support.
I wish you and your father all the best.
Lauren
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- September 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. I know this must be a very scary time for both you and your family, and I commend you for wanting to improve your father's health. Diet is definitely a way to improve one's health and wellbeing.
However, he must walk his own path as does everyone on this forum. I was overwhelmed when I was first diagnosed with all kinds of information on supplements, diet, drugs, treatment options…everyone and their mother had an idea of how to "solve my problem". My best advice would be to talk with him about the option of changing his diet, but don't push him. Let him decide his path. If he decides to change, then be his guide. If he decides against the change, then continue to support him in his decision and be there for him throughout his treatment. Don't nag and don't force, as this will only lead him to pull back from your much needed support.
I wish you and your father all the best.
Lauren
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- September 8, 2016 at 6:23 pm
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis. I know this must be a very scary time for both you and your family, and I commend you for wanting to improve your father's health. Diet is definitely a way to improve one's health and wellbeing.
However, he must walk his own path as does everyone on this forum. I was overwhelmed when I was first diagnosed with all kinds of information on supplements, diet, drugs, treatment options…everyone and their mother had an idea of how to "solve my problem". My best advice would be to talk with him about the option of changing his diet, but don't push him. Let him decide his path. If he decides to change, then be his guide. If he decides against the change, then continue to support him in his decision and be there for him throughout his treatment. Don't nag and don't force, as this will only lead him to pull back from your much needed support.
I wish you and your father all the best.
Lauren
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- September 8, 2016 at 9:52 pm
For a different view on diet, here is a lecture my doctor gave a while back (spoiler alert… Melanoma patients need some meat 4-5 times per week – organic and grass-fed and finished.)
i had been doing well following my doc's program until my brother's death in May. No spread of my cancer as recently as March scans of this year. But after my brother's death I have had spread. Too big of an emotional blow.
good luck to you and your Dad.
Maggie
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- September 8, 2016 at 9:52 pm
For a different view on diet, here is a lecture my doctor gave a while back (spoiler alert… Melanoma patients need some meat 4-5 times per week – organic and grass-fed and finished.)
i had been doing well following my doc's program until my brother's death in May. No spread of my cancer as recently as March scans of this year. But after my brother's death I have had spread. Too big of an emotional blow.
good luck to you and your Dad.
Maggie
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- September 8, 2016 at 9:52 pm
For a different view on diet, here is a lecture my doctor gave a while back (spoiler alert… Melanoma patients need some meat 4-5 times per week – organic and grass-fed and finished.)
i had been doing well following my doc's program until my brother's death in May. No spread of my cancer as recently as March scans of this year. But after my brother's death I have had spread. Too big of an emotional blow.
good luck to you and your Dad.
Maggie
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- September 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Nice to hear from you Maggie!!!! I won't even make a comment about Dr.Gonzales!!!! I am turning over a new leaf (vegetarian humor). Best wishes!!!!Ed
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- September 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Nice to hear from you Maggie!!!! I won't even make a comment about Dr.Gonzales!!!! I am turning over a new leaf (vegetarian humor). Best wishes!!!!Ed
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- September 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Nice to hear from you Maggie!!!! I won't even make a comment about Dr.Gonzales!!!! I am turning over a new leaf (vegetarian humor). Best wishes!!!!Ed
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- September 9, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Just remember also that a vegan diet can have potential harmful ingredients such as pesticides and chemical put on the plants. So know who or where you buy so you are not getting these harmful things as well.
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- September 9, 2016 at 2:47 pm
This doesn't seem very accurate and if it was it is not exclusive to a vegan diet…..Meat eaters and vegetarians also eat vegetables and fruit so they are also potentially eating pesticides and chemicals as you put it. To label that a vegan issue is irresponsible. You could add the idea meat eaters should avoid eating meat from animals that have received certain drugs and antibiotics before appearing on your plate. Then you can get into the produce the animals feed on and have they had pesticides added to them which are in turn are passed onto the consumer. So a vegan diet is not harmful especially for the reason you highlight.
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- September 9, 2016 at 3:55 pm
I love it when anon's fight, the only problem is I don't know who to cheer for? Anon# 1 or Anon#2 .
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- September 9, 2016 at 3:55 pm
I love it when anon's fight, the only problem is I don't know who to cheer for? Anon# 1 or Anon#2 .
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- September 9, 2016 at 3:55 pm
I love it when anon's fight, the only problem is I don't know who to cheer for? Anon# 1 or Anon#2 .
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- September 12, 2016 at 12:54 pm
The only reason I didn't include meat eaters is because the question wasn't asked about meat eater. Yes animals are fed many chemicals which can be a great hazzard and even make you resistant to antibiotics unless you know your butcher and where he gets his meat from and now with so much shipped to China for processing it makes it even worse because the meal is really old by the time it is shipped from here to there and back again.
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- September 12, 2016 at 12:54 pm
The only reason I didn't include meat eaters is because the question wasn't asked about meat eater. Yes animals are fed many chemicals which can be a great hazzard and even make you resistant to antibiotics unless you know your butcher and where he gets his meat from and now with so much shipped to China for processing it makes it even worse because the meal is really old by the time it is shipped from here to there and back again.
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- September 12, 2016 at 12:54 pm
The only reason I didn't include meat eaters is because the question wasn't asked about meat eater. Yes animals are fed many chemicals which can be a great hazzard and even make you resistant to antibiotics unless you know your butcher and where he gets his meat from and now with so much shipped to China for processing it makes it even worse because the meal is really old by the time it is shipped from here to there and back again.
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- September 9, 2016 at 2:47 pm
This doesn't seem very accurate and if it was it is not exclusive to a vegan diet…..Meat eaters and vegetarians also eat vegetables and fruit so they are also potentially eating pesticides and chemicals as you put it. To label that a vegan issue is irresponsible. You could add the idea meat eaters should avoid eating meat from animals that have received certain drugs and antibiotics before appearing on your plate. Then you can get into the produce the animals feed on and have they had pesticides added to them which are in turn are passed onto the consumer. So a vegan diet is not harmful especially for the reason you highlight.
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- September 9, 2016 at 2:47 pm
This doesn't seem very accurate and if it was it is not exclusive to a vegan diet…..Meat eaters and vegetarians also eat vegetables and fruit so they are also potentially eating pesticides and chemicals as you put it. To label that a vegan issue is irresponsible. You could add the idea meat eaters should avoid eating meat from animals that have received certain drugs and antibiotics before appearing on your plate. Then you can get into the produce the animals feed on and have they had pesticides added to them which are in turn are passed onto the consumer. So a vegan diet is not harmful especially for the reason you highlight.
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