I'm Not Dead Yet!

Mary Maycock's War on Cancer

In July 2011, I was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.


Determined to fight my disease, I started a strict diet and exercise regime developed through my personal research, based on specific dietary books, papers, and articles. I am not medically trained and make no claims regarding the effectiveness of my approach.

But I'm NOT DEAD YET.

Mary Maycock  mary@imnotdeadyet.today

In July 2011, I was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

Determined to fight my disease, I started a strict diet and exercise regime developed through my personal research, based on specific dietary books, papers, and articles. I am not medically trained and make no claims regarding the effectiveness of my approach.


But I'm NOT DEAD YET.

Mary Maycock   mary@imnotdeadyet.today

  Keeping healthy
  and controlling my cancer

My Food Rules

No Refined
Sugar!!

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Refined Sugar and Cancer Survival

My research has convinced me that that I absolutely must not eat refined sugar or foods that contain it (this applies to most processed food!).

It is suggested that sugar (which leads to high sugar levels in the blood), feeds cancer and encourages it to grow.

Here's an interesting article on the effect of diet on cancer, including a section on sugar and glucose: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet

And another link, describing a recent study 'that has shown that excess dietary sugar creates inflammatory conditions that favor the development of cancer. '

No White
Starch!!

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NO White Flour, Pasta, Potatoes, White Rice, White Bread, Cake, or Biscuits!

NO White Flour, Pasta, Potatoes, White Rice, White Bread, Cake, or Biscuits!

All those high-carb goodies are sadly, off my menu.

It's well known that foods containing starch (Pasta, white flour, rice, potatos etc.) are converted directly to sugar when digested. White, refined starch is digested very quickly, and sharply raises glucose levels in the blood.

I am convinced by the evidence that there are a number of health problems associated with this.

It's been observed that this has a similar effect on the body to eating sugar, encouraging cancer - as described in this article: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet

Another problem with foods made with white flour: they are low in fibre, because the wheat germ and bran have been removed. The article above also discusses evidence that a diet lacking in fibre contributes to cancer growth.

Because of this I am determined to avoid any foods which may feed or encourage cancer, so I don't eat white starchy carbs. Instead I use organic whole grains, such as brown rice, wholewheat, quinoa, and oats.

No
Dairy!!

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No Dairy

Dr. Jane Plant maintains that a diet high in animal products, including dairy, greatly increases the risk of developing many cancers

Jane Plant's website, contains lots of information about her success in keeping advanced caner in remission throughout her life by following a vegan, chemical-free diet.

I avoid dairy because I have read her book

I've decided, as my cancer is hormone receptive, I would not risk dairy in my diet until more research has been done, to either to prove or disprove the theories.

Organic Veg
and Fruit

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Organic Veg and Fruit

I am convinced that to stay healthy, my diet must include huge amounts of vegetables, and to a lesser extent fruit (because of the sugar content).

I've found a lot of evidence in my Sources that cancer risk is increased by consumption of food containing pesticides and chemical additives. So, fresh organic produce only, as far as possible on a budget. And I prepare it all myself; no processed pre-prepared food for me.

I was inspired by Dr. David Servan Schrieber's book
'Anti Cancer a New Way of Life'

In his book Dr. Schreber encourages eating organic fruit and vegetables to help the body defend against cancer.

Alkalising
Diet

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Alkalising Diet

I have found some interesting material that suggests a diet comprised of "alkalising foods" contributes to the fight against cancer.

The jury is still out. I can't decide. But the foods in the lists are mainly pretty good so I use them. There are many web sites offering views on it; here are a few:

Cancer
Fighters

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Cancer Fighting Foods

Prof Belevieau's book describes foods which may actively work to attack and neutralise cancer cells. These include turmeric, garlic, ginger, rosemary, beetroot juice, vegetable juices, and cruciform vegetables eg. broccoli & cauliflower

More research is needed, nevertheless I regularly include these foods in my diet, as they may help. I especially use turmeric and black pepper in olive oil; it's really quite good.

Balance
Omega 3-6-9

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Balancing Omega 3-6-9 Oils

I eat olive oil, and oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, to ensure my intake of Omega Oils is balanced. I have learned these essential oils work together to support the immune system, but they should be consumed in the correct ratio, which I believe is best provided by natural food sources.

This is a really interesting article which explains the critical importance of balanced intake of Omega oils in the diet:
Does Fish Oil Cause Cancer?

Limited Alcohol
& Coffee

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Limited Alcohol and Coffee

I treat myself to an occasional glass of wine, or a coffee

The relationship between alcohol and cancer is well researched, and it is generally accepted in the medical world that drinking alcohol increase's a woman's risk of breast and other cancers. So I avoid it.

I also limit the amount of coffee I drink - I prefer Sencha green tea with a squeeze of lemon.

How alcohol causes cancer

My diet has helped me in so many ways. I believe it's fighting my cancer, it's making me feel well and full of energy - and I have lost weight! The past five years since my diagnosis have been emotionally and physically difficult - but also full of surprises and joy.

....Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't. -Richard Bach

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Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT GIVE ADVICE. It is intended solely to provide information to those who are interested in what I am doing. I do not use this diet instead of medical treatment, but rather to compliment it. Any changes in diet and lifestyle should be made with the help and advice of dieticians and doctors, ensuring that everything a body needs is included, and that none of the ingredients could have an adverse effect on present medications and treatments.