Do you get that “pit” feeling in your stomach when you are afraid? I do. There’s a new side effect joining my cancer journey and it’s scary.

I have been walking around with that pit feeling due to a new fear. It is so uncomfortable, yet I know I have to get through it. This is not my first rodeo, and you would think I would be better at handling challenges by now, but I am not.

For those of you that follow me, you know that breast cancer is the gift that keeps on giving. My post-cancer side effects are many. I have written about it before: https://www.outwittinglife.com/?s=+why+is+cancer+never+over.

My Cancer Journey

There are way too many side effects from chemotherapy, and I have had my share. Here is another one I can add to my list – Gastroparesis. This diagnosis was delivered one month ago.

Have you ever heard of this? My stomach does not empty properly—only me. I never seem to get common illnesses. I always get something rare or odd. The good news is that it is not life-threatening. However, it is life-altering. Again, only me.

Fear Triggers Bad Habits

This latest diagnosis has put me in a tailspin. It is not pretty! All I want to do is eat. My sister thinks it’s in our genes. Whenever I get scared, stressed, or have some life-changing event, I become ravenous. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I do take comfort in food.

True story – I was “right-sized” from a position years ago, and before I even knew it, I was in a White Castle drive-thru. Yes, belly-bombers! Believe it or not, my mom liked White Castle. We had it for dinner as a treat occasionally when I was young. So, when tragedy strikes, I get “the crave.” I consider eating White Castle a terrible habit!

Once I succumb to White Castle, Carvel is typically not far behind. Then comes the crackers, followed by pretzels, potato chips, or m&m’s – all terrible habits. I cannot believe I have just bared my entire food-addicted soul!

Seriously, gastroparesis is another something that makes me afraid. The consequences, should I not follow the recommended diet, are awful. They involve partial removal of my small intestine and eating only pureed foods. Yuck! But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

Being unfamiliar with this disease, I googled it. Doesn’t everyone? Also, my doctor provided me with a pamphlet that highlighted dietary changes I should make. I laughed when I first read it! The recommendations are contrary to everything I know.

Recommended Treatment

Firstly, I need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Secondly, I have to unlearn all the healthy-eating recommendations I know. For example, I now need to eat white rice and white bread. Whole-grain anything is a no-no, as I need to eat less fiber. Cooked vegetables are much better for my stomach than raw ones. Good-bye salads!

Baby food is okay. Now you know why I laughed when I looked at the pamphlet from my doctor. This seems crazy, but I have to do what I have to do. I am researching my options daily and trying to create a menu I can live with that accommodates this illness. The last thing I want is to allow it to get worse.

Here is the definition of gatroparesis according to the Cleveland Clinic:

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a disease in which the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion. Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and feeling full quickly when eating. Treatments include medications and possibly surgery.

You can read the entire article here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15522-gastroparesis#:~:text=Gastroparesis%20is%20a%20disease%20in,include%20medications%20and%20possibly%20surgery.

This condition is common in people with diabetes. Four specific types of chemotherapy have been proven to cause gastroparesis. Of course, I was given one of them. Radiation can also contribute to this condition. Guess who had six weeks of daily radiation treatments? It’s a trifecta!

Education and Resources

According to the Mayo Clinic, gastroparesis is “Rare – Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year. Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured. Requires a medical diagnosis. Lab tests or imaging are often required. Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong. (For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.) Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.”

The Mayo Clinic has some great resources, and I’ve been scrolling their website, soaking up information. The changes are going to be very hard for me. I am scared to manage this; however, I know it beats the alternative by a long shot. In severe cases, people use feeding tubes. Thankfully, my case is not severe. http://of mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355792

I have read that carbonated beverages should be limited. Talk about a dagger to my heart! I specifically asked the doctor about my McDonald’s diet coke addiction. He said as long as my stomach is tolerating it, I am okay for now. Praise the Lord!

So, here I am, faced with yet another challenge originating from breast cancer. It honestly never ends. Currently, I need to manage my memory, fear of recurrence, fatigue, and losing all feeling in my feet from neuropathy. Gastroparesis (complete diet overhaul) is the new headliner on my list. And, let’s not forget I need to manage my penchant for drive-thrus and snacks!

The one thing I know about my latest challenge is that I WILL figure it out. I am already managing the other side effects, so I feel confident I’ll do the same with gastroparesis. If anyone has experience with this, kindly reach out to me. I would love to hear how you are managing it.

If I have said anything that resonates with you, please leave me a comment below. Also, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram #outwittinglife or @outwittinglife.