Keto To-Go

(Scroll down to the end for an update on Ed's treatment, if you wish.)

Since June Ed has been on a strict ketogenic diet in hopes of controlling his cancer. Obviously it hasn't stopped his cancer, but his neuro-oncologist encouraged him to keep on the diet. Ed has felt so well during chemo, and maybe the diet is helping.

His keto diet is very strict with very high fat, moderate protein, and extremely low carbs. The diet could be considered "whole foods" since it is nearly impossible to find any processed food that fits his needs. In other words, I make nearly everything that goes in his mouth. Traveling is difficult because he can't just grab a sandwich. I find it a challenge to come up with a variety of meals that are easy to transport and can be eaten cold. And, of course, they must taste good.

This week Ed and I spent two days on the road. I'll share what I packed for our meals.

We started out the morning doing deliveries in several cities for Ed's job. Ed had a snack of salted almonds mid-morning.

At lunch we had chicken-celery salad. Celery is a very low-carb vegetable which combines well with chicken, mayo, and olive oil to make a delicious keto meal.

In the afternoon Ed ate some mascerpone-stuffed mini peppers. Mascerpone cheese is similar to cream cheese but has no carbs. Cream cheese is a cheaper option for those not on extremely low-carb diets. Ed eats these peppers for a snack almost daily.

By this time we had arrived at the hospital where Ed had more tests and bloodwork. Afterwards we had some time before his scheduled MRI.

We drove past all the malls and big city entertainment and found a great state park. So good to walk in the spring sunshine after sitting most of the day.

On the dock we ate ham salad on a bed of fresh spinach with some green olives.

For dessert Ed had a fat bomb. There are many recipes for fat bombs online. This one is a mixture of cream cheese, butter, almond flour, stevia, and sugar-free chocolate chips. Yum.

The next morning I grabbed a quick bite at the hotel continental breakfast, but I knew there would be nothing suitable for Ed (besides coffee). At home I had mixed up a concoction of my homemade yogurt, coconut oil, red raspberries, and whipping cream. Ed seemed to enjoy it so I'll put it on the menu again.

Between Ed's morning doctor appointments I pulled out some deviled eggs for Ed. I was afraid lunch would get late and I wanted to give him a substantial snack. I was glad I did. Our next appointment ended up taking far longer than expected. It was after three when we finally made it back to the van and I could get lunch for Ed.

This lunch (or whatever you call a meal eaten at 3:00) was my favorite meal yet. And it is one that doesn't even need refrigeration. I peeled and sliced an avocado into two bowls and then popped open a can of salmon (Sam's Club brand) drained it and layered the salmon on top of the avocado. A dab of Chipotle mayo and we had a delicious lunch. (Eaten too fast to be photographed.)

On the way home at the gas station Ed had a keto lemon-poppy seed muffin with a Sparkling Ice.

So that is how we did two days of keto meals from an ice chest. We were able to stay on Ed's diet and eat yummy food on a very small food budget.

In the past weeks we've had lots of discussions, doctor appointments, and prayer to decide on Ed's next treatment. Ed has decided to take part in a clinical trial testing a new medication. Ed will be taking a small dose of chemotherapy along with this new drug. This new drug is an inhibitor, with the goal of blocking some of the enzymes that the cancer needs for growth.

Ed plans to begin this new treatment next Monday, April 23. Will you pray with us that this treatment will be effective and he will have few side affects?