My Neutropenic Not Pregnant Pregnancy Diet

When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, I knew that it was a life-changing diagnosis. The word cancer strikes fear into your heart like nothing else. The thing I didn’t anticipate was the change in diet. Before my PET scan, I adjusted my diet to low carbohydrates and high protein. The nurse talked about the cancer feeding off of sugar. If the cancer wasn’t hungry it wouldn't absorb the glucose solution that helps light up during the scan. It got me thinking about whether I am feeding my cancer when I eat sugar or carbohydrates. I ate appropriately and the scan found my cancer.

Shifting diets

I had one lymph node removed for my biopsy, but the scan found two more next to it and one in my chest nearby. I am currently undergoing standard ABVD treatment. The second diet shift came with chemotherapy. I went from the scan diet to fighting nausea and being neutropenic. I shifted from obsessing over the evils of sugar to eating anything I can keep down. Sometimes that means soup or broth. Sometimes comfort food carbs are the only thing that is palatable.

After my first two chemotherapy treatments, my neutrophils, infection-fighting white blood cells, were abysmal which means I am now neutropenic. It is not uncommon for this to happen during chemo. Many patients will receive a shot to jump-start the white blood cells, but the Bleomycin I am taking has potential pulmonary toxicity which would mean too many pulmonary risks with the shot. I have to stay well as I cannot fight infection of any kind, even the slightest cold could mean a hospital stay which could delay treatment. Delaying treatment could affect the outcome of success.

Respecting my body

I am in hibernation for the fall and winter. I have lots of Lysol and hand sanitizer stationed around the house. My biggest threats are my three school-age boys and my husband who travels for work. They are in the outside world in schools, gyms, airplanes, and public venues during flu season.

Being neutropenic means I have a new diet to follow. The diet reminds me of when I was pregnant. Because of the risk of infection, I cannot eat undercooked meats or eggs, raw foods, lettuces, fruits, and vegetables must be carefully washed, and I am avoiding soft cheeses. I have always shopped organic and avoided unnatural foods, yet I think it is okay to treat yourself to indulgence in moderation. I imagine I will always be mindful of my eating and my health forever from this battle. While I am neutropenic I will stay on this pregnancy diet. I am not pregnant with a child and likely now never will be again, but instead, I am pregnant with cancer. When I am no longer neutropenic I will treat myself to sushi or a filet mignon to celebrate. The birth of life after cancer will be filled with a grateful heart and healthful respect for my body.