When Myra was first diagnosed, I was just overwhelmed by information.
What could she eat? What should she avoid? Yes, I could’ve spent a few hours diving into research, but I was already trying to process my own emotions, figuring out how to explain things to Myra, and making all the necessary arrangements. It didn’t help that we were bombarded with unsolicited dietary advice and sales pitches from what I now fondly call “Free Experts”, people who give unqualified advice freely and generously.
If you’re in the same place I was, let me help you cut through the noise with four simple truths:
1. Fed is best.
Chemo does bizarre things to the taste buds. One day they say your food is too salty. Next day, that same thing is ‘tasteless’. If your chemo patient is barely eating and requests something strange – say, plain cheese pizza with nothing else, let them have it. Fuel is fuel. Let’s get them eating first. You can offer healthier options once they start feeling better.
2. Healing foods are found all over the fresh produce aisle.
Yes, green tea and certain ingredients have shown promise in research. But that doesn’t mean you build every meal around just two or three “miracle” foods. Fresh produce all has a role to play. Some boost white blood cell count, others hydrate and soothe mucocitis (mouth ulcers), and many help with protein and recovery. Think variety. Don’t ignore the everyday heroes in your grocery cart just because they don’t come with buzzwords.
3. You do not need to burn a hole in your pocket for expensive supplements.
The moment people hear about the diagnosis, the sales pitches start flooding in. RM300 miracle powders, super juices, magic pills. Some even come wrapped in guilt: “What kind of mother doesn’t want to give her daughter every fighting chance?
Let me say this clearly: We completed the entire chemo journey without buying any of those overpriced supplements. It is 100% possible to heal and recover on whole, natural foods. You are not a bad parent or caregiver if you choose not to buy them.
That said—if you can afford them and feel they help? Go ahead. Just know they’re optional, not essential.
4. Don’t underestimate the healing powers of sunlight, movement, fresh air, and joy.
After Myra’s first chemo cycle, her oncologist remarked how quickly her white blood cell count bounced back. “What special foods have your mom been feeding you?” she marveled.
The answer? Whole foods. But I believe it was also the sunlight, the stroller walks when she was too weak to walk, the laughter, the daily rhythm of being outside. Even if it didn’t change her bloodwork, it lifted her spirit—and mine too. That matters.
(There’s research on this. You can Google it. But honestly, do it if only for the mood lifting effect..)
If you’re navigating this journey now, I know it’s easy to feel buried under a mountain of opinions. Just take a breath. Focus on what matters. Ignore the noise. Stick to what feels true and manageable for you.
Note: If you know someone who will need this, please share this link with them!
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