What about Dieting (or Alternate Diet)? I have no or little opinion of food dieting as a remedial aid to cancer patients. There are many of such recipes according to Chinese or western traditions. One should take the following considerations, 'Is it rational to be abstained from nutritional food while your body requires nutrition to fight the cancer cells?' And, 'Have the recipes been proven by clinical trials?' There are very few clinically proven recipes effective for cancer prevention and recovery. Certain vitamins in natural volume and anti-oxidants are known to have anti-cancer effects. It is wonderful to know that most of these beneficial items are available in our normal diets, if you eat more fresh food including fruit and vegetables. You could send your comments (ktko54@hotmail.com) on such a subject.

For patients on chemotherapy, it is important to note that certain Chinese tonics / herbal medicine (e.g. ginseng) changes the amount of white blood cells. This might has a detrimental effect on your body together with the cytotoxic drug used in chemotherapy. Your should talk to your doctor before taking Chinese tonics / herbal medicine while you are on chemotherapy. I did not take any Chinese medicine or any special diet during and after the treatment. I enjoy many food including chicken and seafood. Overall I eat the same food I had prior to my treatment. With the exceptions that my preference on food has been changed because of the reduced amount of saliva, I prefer moist food like bowls of hot noodles. The only advice I could give is to eat sensibly, have less fat, less meat, less preserved food in your diet, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

What about Exercise? There is something which definitely helped me through the treatment. A little exercise is a great advantage. I used to run in the morning for about 30 minutes and went to the gym regularly prior to the treatment for NPC. During the treatment, I maintained the practice with reduced vigor (because I was sick). I still do my morning exercises in order to maintain a reasonable fitness level. The sweating and the relaxation due to the rhythmic movements in running and walking have a therapeutic effect. There are some very popular morning exercises for NPC as well as other cancer patients based on breathing exercises (Chi Gong) in Hong Kong and China. I am certain that Chi Gong is very good for your well being; but I do not have the opportunities to practice it. Getting up early in the morning, greeting friends and watch the sunrise are all good for your body and soul, cancer patients or otherwise.

K T KO, Last updated: 8th September 2001