Cancer-Fighting Soup
Cancer-Fighting Soup (aka Immune-Boosting Soup) is chock full of vegetables, lentils, and black beans that science has shown helps fight inflammation in the body. Whether you’re wanting to help someone with a diagnosis or just eat as healthy as possible yourself, this comforting soup fits the bill.
Darcie’s Cancer Story
Cancer. No one expects to hear that diagnosis from their doctor, even though one in three Americans will get cancer at some point. You especially don’t expect it when you’re a 38-year-old seemingly healthy mom of four children.
My long-time and dear friend Darcie received that diagnosis in Fall 2014, after finding a lump in her breast. It was a shock to all of her friends, family and church family to say the least.
Her friends and family quickly gathered like a small army around her and her family. You see Darcie is widely known as one of the most generous, thoughtful, bleeding-heart people around our area. Many lives have been touched by her and her family in some way. Everyone loves Darcie.
A small group of her closest friends gathered a few days after her diagnosis to pray and plan for her. I was awed as I saw each friend in our group using her own particular gifting to serve and encourage her. It’s humbling to watch Christ’s church at work as the hands and feet of Jesus during a time of crisis like this.
One friend brought Darcie a “Battle Bag” full of encouraging Bible verses to read any time of day or night. Others were already working on coordinating house cleaning, meals for the family, rides for the kids, starting a fundraiser site. One friend in the medical field sat through the initial consult appointment with her and her husband to be another listening ear. My decorator friend announced she would embark on a quick bedroom make-over, so Darcie can feel at peace in her space while undergoing treatment. The list goes on.
(Below: Living it up 80’s style with Darcie (on right), me (center) and our friend (Kelley). Can you handle all that blue eye shadow and crimping?)
And what do you think was my first inclination when I heard the news about my friend? To cook!
My mission in the days to follow her diagnosis: How can I make my friend the most nutritious, delicious, cancer-fighting soup possible? How can I equip her with the foods and nutrition information she’ll need to give her body the best fighting chance?
My role–surprise-surprise–was quickly dubbed by my team of friends as “Darcie’s nutrition helper”…which let me just say I feel completely inadequate for! Because of my under qualified status, I’ve been desperately researching and talking to friends who actually are nutrition experts. I’ve been learning all about the BEST foods for fighting breast cancer and inflammation in the body.
The Best Foods for Fighting Breast Cancer
Through my research and her doctor’s guidance, she decided to focus on a plant-rich diet full of a variety of vegetables, lentils, beans, fruit, nuts, eggs, and Omega 3-rich fish to provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats to aid healing and boost immunity.
We learned that foods like mushrooms, broccoli and cauliflower, lentils, black beans, and spinach are some of the best for fighting breast cancer. And, that’s exactly the kinds of foods I included in this big batch of Cancer-Fighting Soup for my friend.
IMPORTANT! Please keep in mind that I am not a dietician or licensed medical practitioner, so please ask your doctor if the ingredients included in this soup are ok for you if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and/or are receiving treatment. I’ve heard that some foods like grapefruit and even garlic can interfere with certain medications.
How to Prepare Cancer-Fighting Soup
I’ve made three huge pots of Cancer-Fighting Soup now for Darcie and for our family. Let me tell you, it’s absolutely PACKED with flavor thanks to all the seasoning and veggies just as much as it’s PACKED with nutrition. Here’s a 1 minute video showing how easily it comes together…
The key to the complex flavor is to saute the aromatics (onions, celery, carrots, and garlic) to kick-start their flavor and then to season every step of the way.
Another tip is to chop all of the vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly and are bite-sized. It’s actually a pet peeve of mine when vegetable soup contains pieces that are too big to enjoy in one bite. It’s worth taking the time to chop them perfectly. 🙂 My recipe will guide you to the perfect soup, so don’t worry!
How to Make Ahead and Freeze Cancer-Fighting Soup
This soup is perfect for making ahead and taking to a friend. If you want, just change the name to “Immune-Boosting Soup” if your friend has a cold. 🙂 It has now been tested from fresh, reheated from the fridge as leftovers, and reheated after being frozen. It delicious and works great in all these situations!
If you want to deliver it to a friend as a fresh meal or freezer meal, you can deliver it in one of these freezer containers, including a freezer container with lid (see above image) or mason jars (see below image). I love using mason jars, since the soup can be divided into single servings. Just be sure to leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top if freezing.
My hope is that you can make this recipe for yourself and/or take it to anyone else who is battling cancer or an illness. This Cancer-Fighting Soup fights inflammation in the body and provides warmth and comfort when healing.
You may even want to add a word of encouragement to the container you deliver it in, too. I quickly scribbled out a few favorite encouraging Bible verses in sharpie on the freezer containers of the soup for Darcie.
Or you may want to include a set of our printable Truth for Trials verse cards.
To make your meal a little more fancy-schmancy than mine with these Printable Freezer Meal labels to go on top.
I hope this recipe is a blessing to you or someone else. Please leave a comment for me, and I’d love to pray for you or a loved one who is battling cancer.
P.S. Thanks to Darcie for letting me share some of her story. She said to me, “Share on, sister. Hoping it makes a difference, inspiring someone to change one small thing about their lifestyle.”
P.P.S. In case you’re wondering, here is the story of Darcie’s Head-Shaving Party and more about how she’s doing. It’s so encouraging!
P.P.P.S. This post was originally shared February 2015. It has since been updated and reposted. At the time of updating this post on 11/8/21, Darcie is now over 6 years cancer-free (“no evidence of disease”) and doing great!
More Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Love
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This hearty soup brings a healthy and tasty dose of vegetables to the table to boost the immune system. Make ahead and freeze for later using our freezing instructions.
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2–3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use less if you don’t like heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 12 cups (or three 32-ounce cartons) of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 28–ounce can of crushed tomatoes (look for BPA-free cans)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup lentils (any kind will work; rinse first)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup cauliflower, chopped finely
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped finely
- 2–3 cups spinach, chopped
- 1–2 cups frozen green peas
Instructions
Make It Now:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat.
- Saute the onions, carrots, and celery for about 4-5 minutes, until tender. Add in the garlic and stir for 1 more minute. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (to your preferred heat level), and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, lentils, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer (slight bubbling), stirring occasionally. Season again lightly with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the zucchini, mushrooms, cauliflower, and broccoli and simmer another 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and frozen peas and turn off the heat (or turn to low), so they don’t overcook. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings. (Freezing instructions begin here.)
- If you like, serve with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and/or whole grain crackers or crusty bread.
Freeze For Later: Follow steps 1-5. Let the soup cool completely. Suggestion: divide soup into some shallow pans to put in the refrigerator to cool it more quickly. Divide soup into gallon-sized freezer bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, seal, and freeze.
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of these safe thawing methods. Then reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in a crock pot. Another option is to put the frozen soup block over low to medium-low heat on the stove top or in a crock pot. Add about 1-2 cups of water or broth over the top. Gently warm over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Follow step 6 for serving.
Notes
It’s a good idea to chop your veggies all about the same size, so they cook evenly and they are bite-sized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5-2 cups
Thank you. It is as you say, you hear a friend’s diagnosis and immediately wonder how you can support them. This is the first time the idea of making soup popped into my head, and just to prove that I am not going mad, you have already trodden the path and paved the way for me to support my latest friend to be diagnosed. Thank you and continued blessings to you all.
Ruth, I’m thrilled you found this recipe and can help your friend in this small way. Sure hope it’s a blessing to him or her. Hugs.
Lovely recipes . Please pray for my sister Laura Audene Javin. This is her 3rd battle with cancer. She has been a brave warrior who has overcome cancer so many times before even turning 30 she has had to fight and still does today 5 Feb 2022.
Oh, God bless your sister! What a strong young woman. Praying right now that the Lord will give her strength to keep fighting and that she will experience hope and joy from God in the midst of her trial, Kuraisha.
I made this in search of healthy recipes. I made it last night and it was absolutely delicious. All the vegetables were so good together. Only addition I made was using Quick cook barley, peas and lentils (which were dried). I didn’t have lentils solo, just in this handy mix by Full Circle.
★★★★★
Thanks for the feedback, Barbara. Really happy to hear you enjoyed it. Love the idea of those additions, too.
Is this recipe in your cookbook?
★★★★★
No, it is not.
Absolutely delicious! Im a soup lover and was looking for something different than I usually make as I have been eating soups for 4 days due to a bad cold.
I literally just made it and finished my first bowl – It is very flavorful and I can definitely tell it’s good for me !
Thank you for sharing and lots of love and prayers to everyone below fighting against cancer.
★★★★★
I’m so thankful you enjoyed the soup, Eva! I hope it helps you feel better soon.
I just found this page I’m going to make it for my grandfather whom has stage 4 lung cancer lol hope to find more of your recipes
I’m so glad you found this recipe, Mariah. Wishing your grandfather comfort, hope, and healing during this time. You are so very kind to make this for him.
Hello,
I’m making this soup for my 63 year old mother who started treatment today to battle stage 4 lung cancer. She’s already been a breast cancer survivor for the past 12+ years so I’m a firm believer she will push through. She’s a strong woman! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I know you stated that you’re not a nutritionist/dietician , but is there any other recipes on your blog that you recommend making for chemo patients?
God bless!
Hello Loretta. I’m so sorry to hear this. Your mom is one strong lady, and I’m glad you are there to help her.
Here are some other recipes she might enjoy and that are full of good-for-you ingredients, but please check with her doctor about any ingredients to avoid (you don’t want them to interfere with her medication):
– Vegetarian Tortilla Soup – One of my favorites and very easy to make. I leave it in the fridge and eat on it all week for lunches or freeze in small portions. Very good when topped with diced avocado and a squeeze of lime! https://thrivinghomeblog.com/meatless-monday-anything-goes-tortilla-soup/
– 7 Smoothie Recipes – I’m thinking the Green Machine Smoothie and Very Berry Smoothie might be best since they have lots of antioxidants. You can make the freezer packs ahead for her, so she just has to dump them in the blender and add liquid. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/how-to-make-freezer-smoothie-packs-7-printable-recipes-shopping-lists/
– Tomato Bisque – Full of veggies and so flavorful. Freeze in individual 1 1/2 – 2 cup portions and she can warm them up anytime. You can leave the dairy out at the end, if she is avoiding dairy. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/tomato-bisque-recipe-panera-bread-fake-out/
– Fiesta Chopped Salad – Could make her a batch of this to eat on all week. It holds up well in the fridge. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/chopped-fiesta-salad-gluten-and-dairy-free/
– Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo – https://thrivinghomeblog.com/lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-for-crockpot-or-instant-pot/
– Pumpkin Chili – Super flavorful, easy to freeze in small portions, full of veggies/beans, vegetarian. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/20-minute-freezable-pumpkin-chili/
I bet if you made her a few soups in individual portions and those smoothie packs for the freezer, that would help her have healthy food on hand in the coming weeks. I use these Pyrex 2 cup glass bowls for freezing and reheating soup, but mason jars work too if you leave at least 1 inch of head space at the top. https://amzn.to/3oCY3MF (this is an affiliate link)
One other idea is to get her some Pique Tea or some other high quality tea with antioxidants. It might be a comforting drink during these colder days or when she doesn’t feel well. We wrote a review about Pique Tea here: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pique-tea-this-may-be-the-worlds-healthiest-beverage/ .
I hope that gives you a good start!
Hello Rachel, I’m so glad to have found your post with the inspiring story of your friend and this recipe. I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past month so I will be making this soup in the next few days, and will be sending some along to my friend whose husband has just completed treatment for throat cancer. I find it really helpful to read the stories of others, thank you for sharing. Kelly
I’m glad you found this recipe and Darcie’s story and that it was encouraging to you, Kelly. Wishing you many blessings on your journey ahead!
Dear Rachel,
May I say a heartfelt thankyou for sharing your recipe for a yummy cancer fighting soup.
I hope your dearest friend Darcie is still keep in good health.
I am just at start of my breast cancer journey,treatment will probably commence in mid December.
So I,with my beloved family and friends around me need any helpful guidance in nurturing us all,but especially me.
Thankyou again Rachel,take care,
you are…
A lovely stardust….
Kindest wishes,
Judy X
Thank you, Judy. I’m grateful that this soup is being used in so many homes across the world and really do hope it brings comfort and healing. Praying for you as you begin your own journey with breast cancer. Big hugs!
I was looking for healthy foods for my husband who is doing chemo for stage IV pancreatic cancer which is also on his liver. He doesn’t hold food down well so we try everything. Nux vomica, a homeopathic medicine seems to help. I have read many of the responses and I hate there is so much cancer out there. You have more than a soup here. As a prayer warrior I can see all the miracles and blessings in others lives occurring just from your thoughtful words and encouragement over a recipe. Cancer and chemo is tough for the patient and the loved ones, but with faith in God and believing his words we all can get through it with the strength he gives us. My family also listens to healing scriptures. I love the idea of adding scripture cards to a meal for someone. I will definately be using your advise very soon as well as trying this soup for my family. Praying for all the families here and for you and yours. Thank you for your gift and obedience.
Hi Sandy. Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind message when your family is going through so much right now. I’m so sorry to hear that your husband is suffering like this. And, I know caring for him and watching him suffer must bring you great pain and stress, as well. I’ll pray right now for him and your family. May you experience God’s promises from Lamentations 3 in a palpable way during this time, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is (the Lord’s) faithfulness.”
Wow, that was the inspiration I needed this morning. I’m on my first round of chemo with breast cancer. Not alot of fun is it. I found your recipie and story. Just what I needed. I pray that I will have the courage that Darcie has to fight whatever god has instore for me. I’m such a weenie. I do thank you for sharing and showing your strength although I’m sure it wasn’t always easy.
★★★★★
This makes my heart so happy to know that you found this recipe/story and it encouraged you today, Paula. I know that was not a coincidence. May the Lord give you His strength and courage to fight this battle. He is in this with you. I hope you can remember his promise to you in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Thank you for this recipe….my 17 year old son is battling leukemia. I appreciate the recipe and your prayers!! THANK YOU!!
★★★★★
Praying right now, JoAnna! A friend of mine from church, Robin May, has walked through this long journey with her teenage son (Matt), as well. They both talk and write about it on her website and podcast. He’s about a year out of a bone marrow transplant and doing miraculously well. I hope it might encourage you both to connect with their family. I’d be happy to put you in touch, if you want. You can find her here: https://www.robinmayministries.com/blog
Made this batch for my mom who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. She LOVED it! I’m making another batch today. Thank you so much for this.
★★★★★
Wonderful!! Love hearing this. May it help her continue to fight well!
Wonderful post! Thank you! Praises that your friend Darcie is now cancer free! This soup sounds a lot like one I made for my Bible Study teacher, when she was diagnosed stage 3 Uterine cancer. She is also now cancer free – which is a true miracle! i wanted to consider putting soup in the BLENDER for those suffering from sensitive stomachs . The BLENDER lender purees everything and makes it easier for those with treatment related food aversions.
I’m so thankful for Darcie’s good health and your teacher’s, too! Thank you for the idea to put this soup in the blender. There was someone else in the comments who asked me about that. I figured this soup would taste just as good as a puree, too.
I haven’t made this soup yet, but am so excited to find it online. Recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer and am trying to alter my diet to heal from within as well as with conventional treatments. Thank you so much for sharing! Looking to Jehovah Rapha for complete healing.
I had never heard that name of God before and googled it–the God of Healing. Amen. Praying that He will bringing healing, hope, strength, and new mercies each morning for you, Rachel.
Just going to make this for a friend. Thank you. ❤️
You’re welcome. I hope it’s a blessing to your friend.
I just came upon your recipe while looking for make-ahead meals.
Thank you for being a blessing to your dear friend Darci and blessing to everyone in your obit. I’m going to make the soup for it’s health and anti-inflammatory benefits. I give thanks for beautiful people like yourself for sharing this story and recipe.
6 second hug
Thank you, Deb! I hope this soup is helpful to you and anyone else you make it for. 6 second hug back!
love the idea of this soup. and it sounds delicious! I might just make myself some because it is healthy and good for me! But, I am looking for some recipes for my friend and neighbor that has some food issues as well as just finding out she has breast cancer. We don’t even know how advanced it is. the question is… can this be made without the beans and lentils? she says she gets Really bad painful gas from these items.
Hi Mary. What a kind friend you are! I think you could certainly make this bean-and-lentil free, just cut back on the amount of broth you use so it’s not too watery. I’d maybe start with 8 cups of broth. If it looks too thick, you can always add more. I hope that helps!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It sounds as if it will be delicious. Look forward to trying it myself (Type 1 Diabetic and for my husband who has just been diagnosed with cancer). God is awesome and so are prayers. Thank you again.
Hi Kim. So sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis. The Lord is with you as you walk through these deep waters. Praying right now that God will surround you with His goodness and love all along the way. May he fill you both with strength and courage for the days ahead and bring healing.
My husband was diagnosed with 3rd stage lymphoma which is now in remission.
This soup is served at least 3 days a week. I made it a regular part of his diet.
Love this soup receipe.
★★★★★
So thankful to hear that your husband is in remission and that this soup was a part of that journey, Sharon. Wishing you many blessings in the future. Thanks for sharing this feedback and review.
I will be making this for a friend of mine recently diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. I’m a stage 4 breast cancer warrior so this will be excellent for the two of us! Food for the soul and body. Thank you!
You are such a kind friend! I’m glad you found this recipe and sure hope it helps both of you in your battles. Praying right now for healing and hope for you both.
Thank you for the recipe. I didn’t realize (my oversight) how much it makes lol. I had to change to a larger pot. 😁 My first serving was delish. I am waiting a second CT and MRI. They found some nodules on my kidneys/adrenal glands and it’s causing quite a bit of pain. Praying for fast test appointment and good results. Trusting God though the process. (This is hard even as a pastor). Thank you for the recipe and prayers!
★★★★★
Yes, Rob, I should make that even clearer…this does take a BIG pot. I hope you can freeze the leftovers in individual portions to enjoy down the road. Thank you for sharing a little of your story. Praying right now that the Lord gives you new mercies every single day to trust him, walk with him, and even lead your flock during this time. Praying for healing, as well. As I’m sure you know well, He has promised to walk with you through these deep waters and will bring you to the other side one way or another. Wishing you many blessings on the journey ahead.
My fiance was just diagnosed with bone cancer and it spread throughout his body. He is stage 4 and all I want to do is cry! I will stay strong for him and I pray everyday! I will make him this soup to help his fight with cancer. Please pray for him and my family. Thank you
Oh Kat, I’m so very sorry to hear about your fiance. I’m tearing up myself. I will pray for him right now. May the Lord bless him (and your family) through his journey and bring healing.
I’m interested in recipes to make for my daughter, Michelle Christy, who has been dealing with neuroendocrine cancer for a year. The treatments have cause her to lose so much weight. Want to make her meals that will help her gain weight and make her healthy again.
Please send her healing prayers.
God bless and thanks for sharing your story and recipes.
Sylvia, I will pray for your daughter right now. It’s so hard to watch your child suffer no matter how old they are. You are a such good mom to help her with her nutrition. Is there a dietitian or nutritionist at her cancer treatment facility? Perhaps they can help you think of some healthy foods that will also help her to gain weight (and won’t interfere with her treatment).
Here are a few ideas, but please know that I’m not an expert:
Make her some of our freezer smoothie packs and add in some protein powder to them. All she would have to do is dump the contents in a blender and add the liquid. My favorite flavor is our Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie (tastes like a chocolate shake to me). Here are all of those recipes: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/how-to-make-freezer-smoothie-packs-7-printable-recipes-shopping-lists/
Make and freeze our Powerball Cookies so she can snack on them: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/power-ball-cookies/
Lastly, I think soup is great way to get in nutrition and calories when you don’t feel very good. You could make and freeze this Cancer Fighting Soup and others in individual portions for her to warm up in the microwave. Here are a few of my healthier favorites:
Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes & Black Beans: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/slow-cooker-turkey-chili-with-sweet-potato-and-black-beans/
Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/meatless-monday-anything-goes-tortilla-soup/
Tomato Bisque: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/tomato-bisque-recipe-panera-bread-fake-out/
If you just want to get calories in her, this Autumn Chowder is delicious! https://thrivinghomeblog.com/autumn-chowder-comfort-in-a-bowl/
I hope that helps give you some ideas. Wishing you many blessings.
Thanks sis.I’ve just being diagnosed with breast cancer.Keep me in prayer as I’m going for op this month and also my hubby and kids in prayer. They are devastated Thanks for the recipes.I was googling for recipes and it is nice to see yours and also the testimony of your friend recovery..No matter what Jesus is good.Thanks
★★★★★
Praying right now for you! I love what you said…no matter what, Jesus is good. Amen.
Its amazing but can u guide me , how we can feed through feed pipe to the neck cancer patient?
I’m not sure, Hina. Please ask your doctor or dietitian if this is possible. Wishing you many blessings on the road ahead.
Hi Rachel! Planning to make a big batch of this for my best friend’s dad. He just got out of the hospital after a bad reaction to his first chemo treatment. The only thing is, she told me he doesn’t like cooked carrots. Can I substitute something like potatoes or sweet potatoes? Any other recommendations? Thank you for your recipe and your time and prayers!
Hi Jane. I think potatoes sound like a good replacement. Peel and dice into bite-sized pieces, and then add them in with the broth step after you saute the aromatics (celery, onion, and garlic). You are SO kind to make this for him. I’ll pray for him right now.
Do you use dried lentils in this soup?This sounds delicious and I want to try it!
Yes, I did. Be sure to rinse them first. I hope you enjoy this soup! It’s my go-to immune-boosting soup in the winter (and to use up produce in the summer).
Hi Darcie, I will be trying your soup recipe soon. I have been diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Please pray for me. Wish I can talk to you.
I’m praying for you right now, Philo. May God bless you and give you strength on your road ahead. He is always with you. I hope this soup brings some comfort and good nutrition for you along the way.
Taking chemo treatment at the moment. Would appreciate your prayers. Love the sound of your soup and will certainly make some.
Thank you for sharing this.
God bless.
Judy.
Hello Judy. I’d be honored to pray for you right now. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you during this difficult time.
Thank you for this recipe! Made it for my mama who is currently battling a rare form of cancer. She is about to start her next round of treatment and is having a rough time with food. She isn’t a fan of vegetables and this had a lot of flavor that she said she enjoyed it. My heart breaks as I know so many people are going through this rough process, but am grateful to have the Lord to help us get through this! Praying for all those going through this battle and that they know how loved they are by our Savior! Thank you again. Wishing you and your friend well! ❤️
Your poor mama, Claudia. I’m thankful she has you during this time, and I’m glad she liked the soup. My husband and I walked through many years of rare cancer with his mom, so I understand how stressful that is. Praying right now for your mama and your family–for healing + hope and deep joy in Jesus through this trial.
I am not sure if i have cancer, going for testing, I will start on your soup from now.
Thank you so very much.
Blessings. Benita
I can’t imagine what a stressful time this must be for you, Benita. I sure hope this soup brings some comfort along your journey, whatever the path. Wishing you many blessings. Praying for you right now.
Thank you. I’m making this for my wife tonight. She has breast cancer.
You’re so welcome. I’m sad to hear that you and your wife are having to go through this. You are such a kind husband to care for her in this way. May this soup bring healing and comfort.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I will definitely be making this. I’m 39 yrs old, a mother of 4 wonderful teenagers, a busy nurse in a hospital and I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I thank God everyday for giving me strength to care for others even when I don’t feel good myself. 🙏
Oh Jo, what a hard road you’ve been given. I’m so sorry I missed your comment a few weeks ago! I hope you know you are not alone. The God who suffered and died on our behalf loves you dearly, is with you always, and offers great hope. I’m praying for His blessing to be upon you and your family right now. Also, I want to connect you with another mom who has been through what you have. Her name is Sarah and she lives in England. I met her through this blog post, actually! She shared a similar story a year ago with me and is now doing very well a year later! Here’s her Instagram account and I’m sure she’d respond if you messaged her. https://www.instagram.com/life_starts_now_sarah/
G’day
I made this beautiful soup for my mum who is currently on chemo for uterine cancer.
She really loves it as it is so flavoursome! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Hi Rosie. I’m so thankful she enjoyed the soup. I’m sorry she has to go through this trial right now. Thinking of you and your mum. Hugs. – Rachel
Hi, do I have to soak the black beans before cooking? If yes, how long?
I used canned black beans that I rinsed. Do not use dry beans, because they won’t have time to cook through in this recipe. Hope that helps.
Hi! Great recipe, any idea how to prepare in the InstaPot?
Hi Victoria. Good question. You’ll need to cut this huge recipe in half to fit in there. Just saute the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in the garlic at the end for about a minute. Add in seasoning, broth, and all other veggies (except the spinach and peas). Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes with a quick release. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the spinach and peas at the end (they will warm through quickly). Hope that helps!
Im going to ask a friend to make me this soup. I’m currently fighting stage 4 cancer in all my organs. I’m having trouble with keeping food down n this soup sounds great. I love the little labels as it’s so important to remind ourselves that God is always with us. Then you for sharing.
Sharon Reardon
Hi Sharon. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re battling cancer and having difficulty keeping food down. I know that must be so discouraging to you. The Lord is near. He will fight our battles. I love Jesus’ promise to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I’ll pray right now for you, that you will feel the Lord’s presence, that he will keep you strong in your fight as you feel weak, and he will bring healing. I look forward to the day when there is no more sadness, no more sickness, no more brokenness, and no more cancer because of what Jesus has done. Hugs and prayers to you!
Really a great knowledge you have shared
Thank you for this healing recipe. Please pray for my mom, Rita, who was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. We are asking Jesus and God for remission.
I’m so sorry to hear of her diagnosis. That’s so hard. I will pray for your mom, Rita, right now. I hope this soup brings her some measure of comfort and healing.
I don’t know why I can’t click on this correctly, but I am giving this 5 stars!!!.. I just made this for my mom tonight, to bring to her tomorrow. She starts her first chemo treatment tomorrow. Thank you for praying for her.
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Praying for her right now! You are such a blessing to her. Hugs to you and your mom.
So delicious! You get so many veges (almost the whole rainbow) and it is very flavorful-also freezes beautifully!!
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Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
This soup has been a tremendous blessing to me. I made and shared it with my sister and she loves it as well. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor 4 years this month.
I shared the recipe with my girlfriend which is also a cancer Survivor.
We are Christian’s and we thank the Lord for this soup.
★★★★★
Veronica, this means so much to hear that God used something like our simple soup to bless you and others. Praise God for your 4 years of good health! Thank you for sharing.
I made this today (found it on Pinterest) and I am in love! I love all ingredients in this soup, so I couldn’t wait to eat it and it didn’t disappoint! Thank you and happy to hear Darien is doing well! God Bless!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you found this recipe! God bless you, too!
Rachel, thank you so much for this recipe. I’m the first to admit that I’m not a very good cook. But I’m always trying to improve. I need to eat healthier so I appreciate your blog and recipes.
I read about your friend’s battle with cancer as well as the comments. My heart broke as I read each one. I was so inspired by your kind replies. Everyone should be so lucky to know someone like you. Bless you.
Donna
Thank you for your kind words, Donna. I’m just so thankful that a recipe can be a small, small help to anyone who is in the cancer battle.
Thank you so much for this. My mum was 1st diagnosed for stage 1 breast cancer last 5 years and unfortunately recently we found out her cancer had came back and this time on her bone 😢 But we are working hard again to support her and help her fight this again. Miracle can happen right if we pray to the Lord above.
This soup will give her more strength during her chemotherapy.
Thank you again….
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. That’s incredibly hard, Rose. I hope this soup is a blessing to her. I am praying right now for the Lord to be near to her and your family and for his healing hand to be at work. I’m so thankful we have a future promise of eternity with Jesus where there will be no more sickness, no more suffering, no more sadness, and NO MORE CANCER! May you all experience His deep love and mercy right now.
Hello! My sister was just diagnosed with Lymphoma. We know with God she will beat this! Thank you for this soup recipe! Cant wait to try it with her. To God be the glory! I pray for all of younin the comment section as well. 🙏
I’m so sorry to hear of your sister’s diagnosis. I’ll take a moment right now to pray for her healing and for God to shower her with his love during this time. I hope the soup is a comfort to her.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’m making this fir my dad who has been recently diagnosed with cancer. I think it is my way of encouraging him through food. Just like what he would do for me when I was when I was young.
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You’re welcome. Wishing you and your dad all the best in this difficult journey. You are a blessing to him.
Hi there! I’ve just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma (cancer of the appendix), so I’m collecting recipes that 1.) support my eating as healthy as possible now, in preparation for the fight ahead; and, 2.) super healthy, easily digestible meals that I can make now and freeze for use after I’ve begun treatment. This looks to be a winner in both departments! Thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Hi Sabrina. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I hope this recipe helps on your healing journey. I just spent time praying for you this morning. Wishing you many blessings. – Rachel
Please pray for my mom Suzanne Black. She is battling stage for pancreatic cancer and has declined rapidly in the past month. She’s a Christian it has a strong faith however she’s very discouraged right now. Please pray for miraculous healing
Bernice, thank you for sharing this prayer request for your sweet mom. I will pray for her right now. I’m going to email you something for her, so please keep an eye out for it.
The whole family lives this soup, thank you. I have also made it for a Warrior friend and she lives it too! Just wondering, re the nutritional info, how much a ‘serving’ – 1 cup? Thanks.
★★★★★
I’m so glad this soup has been helpful to you and your friend. I’ll update the serving size in the recipe. Thanks for asking about that.
Can you put this in the blender, having trouble swallowing
I’m sorry you’re having trouble swallowing, Marlene. I think that’s a great idea to blend it up some after it’s been cooked. I bet it will still taste good, like a bisque.
Another idea is that you could try some of our smoothie recipes here. My favorite is the Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie and would provide a lot of good nutrition. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/how-to-make-freezer-smoothie-packs-7-printable-recipes-shopping-lists/
One last idea for a soup that’s delicious is our Tomato Bisque, which is also full of lots of vegetables. You could substitute almond milk for the dairy milk, if that bothers you at all. https://thrivinghomeblog.com/tomato-bisque-recipe-panera-bread-fake-out/
I just prayed for you, Marlene. Wishing you many blessings.
Hi Rachel, how long would you say you could freeze this for? I’d love to make this recipe for my grandpa who is fighting multiple myeloma cancer!
Bree, you are such a thoughtful granddaughter. If you package it well, it can freeze well for a very long time (3-6 months). Read about the best storage methods for freezer meals here: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/the-5-best-ways-to-package-and-store-freezer-meals/
Bree, I came across this recipe while looking for food to make for my dad. He is also fighting multiple myeloma. I’ll be praying for your grandpa. If you ever need someone to chat with I’m all ears. Take care !
I was looking up recipes for pancreatitis and liver cancer and found this one. I haven’t made it yet but I can’t imagine it not tasting great and being a perfect soup for my Husbsnd. Thank you for sharing both and God Bless Darcie & all of her support friends
Thank you, Sharon. Darcie is doing so well many years out now! We are so thankful. Wishing your husband God’s blessing, too.
Hi looks so good. I’d like to make but only have a Dutch oven. It probably too much for that pan. Can it be halved?i have someone fighting cancer and would like to make
Yes, you can definitely make a half batch. No problem.
I only have a such oven and I’m thinking it won’t all fit I have husband with liver cancer and wanted a good healthy recipe
Praying for your husband, Margaret. You are such a good wife to cook healthy food for him.
Hi Rachel,
leaving a comment as you suggested and would ask if this cancer saving soup is effective for sclc?
Also I would really appreciate your positive prayers for my husband who has been told only months after 3 chemo lines of treatment.. His name is Peter
Hi June. I’m not sure what sclc is or if the soup would be effective. But, I would be honored to pray for your husband, Peter. May God be near to you and pour out blessings on your family during this difficult time.
Made this for my mom and she lives it!! Thank you!!
Oh, I love that so much! You’re welcome.
How amazing that you come up with sharing this cancer-fighting recipe. It looks very delicious, and surely it is. This kind of idea is really worth sharing.
This soup is great. I was skeptical that it would taste good even though I love vegetables, but I have 3 young children, not a lot of time, and wanted a healthy lunch option packed with vegetables that I could have pre-prepped. I followed recipe exactly, and it is actually really good!!! It’s really a very enjoyable soup to eat and I feel good after eating it. Pair it with a half sandwich and you’re good to go. I like to think of it as a salad in soup form.
★★★★★
This makes me so happy that your family enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you. It seems wonderful!
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I am now going on two years cancer free I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and am trying to eat healthy so thank you for this recipe.
You’re welcome and congratulations on being cancer-free for 2 years! I hope you enjoy the recipe and it brings you even more good health.
Hi my name is mary my brother was diagnosed with cancer I dont know how to cook for him if u can please send some recipes I would appreciate it
Like he say he cant eat eggs
I dont understand is it the white or yellow part that he cant eat
I thought the protien in the white part of the egg was good
Hi Mary, I’m so sorry about your brother’s diagnosis. I would definitely ask his doctor about how to cook for him (and what foods to avoid), since I’m not an expert. You’re a good sister to help care for him.
I have not tried this recipe yet but I am excited to find it. My husband has leukemia and has been on the chemo pills for 11 months. He goes back to the doctor February 2020. We are praying he will be in full remission. Please pray for his health and our finances. It has really been rough but at the same time The Lord has been good to us. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story and prayer request, Terry. I will pray right now for your husband’s health, your finances, and that you will continue to lean on the Lord and experience his new mercies each day. I wish many blessings to your family in this race He has given you.
This looks really good. I had early stage DCIS breast cancer this summer, and my husband was just diagnosed with full on prostate cancer. (I know, right?) I am looking for foods that will help to fight his cancer before, during and after his radiation treatment. This looks so yummy. Thanks so much for posting.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Karen. I hope this soup brings your family comfort and the nutrition needed to heal. Praying for you both right now!
I have Stage 1 Breast Cancer and am currently in treatment. THANK YOU for sharing this. This is the first thing I’ve eaten that doesn’t taste like metal. God Bless!!
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Christina, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Makes me glad to hear you enjoyed this soup. Many blessings on your journey. May He help you fight the good fight. My friend, Darcie, is several years away from her initial diagnosis now and doing great!
Tried this soup and was very delicious. the only thing I did been a single guy and didn’t feel like standing over a stove.Iflowed the respie but I cheated I used a instant pot and through everything to gether and to me it tasted just fine.Sorry to hear about cancer I am not cancer patient but tried the soup.i had to use a 8quart and a six because didn’t have enough room.
Hi Conrad. I’m sorry that I just now saw your comment. I’m glad you liked the soup. Great idea to use the Instant Pot. I do the same a lot of times. It’s a LOT of soup. Hope you were able to freeze some of it for later.
I am a cancer survivor by the grace of GOD. Thanks to you and Darcie for sharing her beautiful story. Family, friends, healing foods, and Faith. My naturalist friend has reminded me of of God’s great pharmacy of natural food he created for us from the beginning. Im currently going through a lil trial. May have to do chemo, but God is still great. Going to make the soup. Thanks for the recipe and loving spirit. Be blessed.
Thanks for sharing, Doris. So thankful you are here!
This soup is so good! I made it tonight and let my hubby have some, but I’m glad it made a lot because the rest is all mine! I have Stage 1A Grade 1 ovarian cancer (total hysterectomy 3 weeks ago) but haven’t seen the oncologist yet. I’m jump-starting a mostly plant-based diet and hoping I won’t need chemo.
★★★★★
Goodness. You are one strong lady. I hope and pray for the best for you. Glad the soup was helpful. 🙂
Made the Cancer Fighting Soup for my daughter who has breast cancer. Turned out delicious!! Thanks you.
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Love hearing that you’re able to use this recipe to bless her!
So glad I found the soup info. Does it work for all cancers? My brother has pancreatic ?
I’m not an expert on all cancers by any means. I just did research on the best cancer-fighting foods for breast cancer. Definitely talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid. We learned the some (like grapefruit) can interfere with certain medications or might taste really bad due to chemo.
My precious other half was diagnosed with a rare cancer. It is a large mass in his back that is thankfully, not attached to any organs. It is low level at this point. Doc said there won’t be any chemo or radiation, but we are waiting for the surgery date to remove it. Meantime, I am working on finding recipes to help him stay strong and to get healthy again. Love this soup recipe except it calls for Cauliflower and Broccoli. EEEUUUUU Two veggies neither of us can swallow 🙂 I wanted to add white beans in place of them, but I have also read the beans are moderately acidic which feeds cancer. We need to keep the body higher in alkaline. Alkaline kills cancer cells. I am going to make this soup for us. Thank you for the recipe and thank you to your followers and their posts. I find them very helpful.
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Hi Pat. Oh, I am so sorry to hear of trial for your loved one and you. I’m glad you found our recipe. This soup is very forgiving, so just swap whatever veggies you like in for the broccoli and cauliflower (although the cruciferous veggies are some of the best cancer-fighting ones out there). Would you consider trying cabbage (another cruciferous) in it’s place? It becomes so mellow in soup. Hugs to you!
Thanks for your post. I was very interested to read it as I am making meals for my mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was given a list of ingredients that she can’t have due to harmful interactions with her chemo and garlic is first on the list. It may be good to note that this may not be good for all cancer patients. Just wanted to pass that along!
Oh good to know! I know my friend couldn’t have grapefruit b/c it interacted with her medication. That’s a great reminder to always check with the cancer patient about any foods he/she cannot have. I think different medications can have different interactions.
Thank you for your blog. It has been very helpful! For 14 years now I have researched diet and its relation to disease. I would highly recommend researching and learning about The Gerson Therapy. This is a highly effective healing diet. Chemo and radiation are such poisons to our bodies, but God has given us the perfect foods for our bodies, even that heal us from very serious sickness and disease. There are a number of very informative lectures given by Charlotte Gerson concerning cancer and the healing of the body on YouTube. Thank you again for your encouraging us moms through your blog!
Thank you for sharing this resource with readers, Katherine!
Hi, I too have just had the diagnosis that every woman dreads less than four weeks ago, and just finished surgery two days ago. Thanks for the recipe, just going to make it now. What a blessing you have been to your friend, and what wonderful support she has. We have just moved and I’m all alone, but I can still be encouraged through posts like these.
Oh Tonya, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’ll pray right now for God’s help and healing through this process. You might be encouraged to read more about my friend Darcie’s story a year later in this post: http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2015/09/head-shaving-party/
Hey Rachel,
Since you are the Nutrition Helper, I thought I would pass some information I found on to you. I don’t know if you follow Lil’ Blue Boo at all, but she had three rounds of chemo for a very different type of cancer than Darcie, BUT she (read: her mom) was incredibly focused on detoxing following her chemo treatments to help her get back to feeling well asap. Anyway, here is one of her pages where she has some of her detox suggestions: http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/my-lil-list-healthy-living-and-detox.html. Somewhere in her website, and I haven’t been able to find it, is some of the juicing suggestions that she/her mom came up with as well. love you, Devin
Love and prayers to your friend! It is inspiring to see how your network has come up around her.
Thank you! I know she appreciates that!
Love the recipes you’ve amassed on pinterest. I added a couple to my meal planning queue. I noticed the 7 layer taco dip and I wanted to share something we’ve discovered at our house. 7 layer dip and a package of tortillas is like an instant 7 layer burrito meal. When we’re traveling or camping I’ll often make a 7 layer dip and leave a package of whole grain or sprouted tortillas in the sun in the morning. Then we can make instant burritos later on without any fuss or prep. 🙂
I also wanted to recommend another nutritional guide to fighting cancer. It’s more detailed and customized for each person’s genetic makeup. Gives lists of foods that would be most beneficial, foods that are fine in moderation and foods to completely avoid when fighting cancer. And you can get it of $.01 on Amazon these days. It’s been very helpful to me. http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Fight-Blood-Health-Library/dp/0425200078
Blessings to Darcy and your entire network of friends and support. It’s so wonderful to see how the body of Christ comes together in situations like these. How good and pleasant it is…
I love your 7 Layer Taco Dip burrito idea. I often eat this for lunch or even dinner. But, I like the idea of skipping out on the chips in lieu of a whole grain tortilla instead. And, thanks for the book rec!