Chemotherapy question?!


Question:

Chemotherapy question?

My hubby will soon have to have chemotherapy. Is there any type of foods or vitamins etc he should take before (to prepare him) and during treatment?


Answers:

Vitamin C helps improve the effect of the chemotherapy so that less chemo is needed. Some oncologists ask that you stop all other treatment two weeks before chemo, so if possible get into the preparation now. (I am assuming that "soon" is not within two weeks)

Siberian ginseng helps prepare the body for the chemo so that he will have less adverse side effects.

St Mary's Thistle (Milk Thistle/ Silybum marianum) helps protect the liver against damage caused by the chemicals of the chemo, and should be taken before, to strengthen and protect the liver, and afterwards to help clear the residue of the chemicals out of your husbands system.

During chemo, (and before) it is good to take slippery elm to help protect the digestive tract. Chemo affects all fast growing cells in the body, and the digesetive tract is one of the fastest growing areas (always replacing itself). Take slippery elm in the evening before bed. It coats the lining of the digestive tract and helps protect and repair the system.

During chemo, it is likely his tastes will change, and he may not be interested in food. At this stage it is a good idea to just give him any food he feels like, and worry about the good nutrition later (You don't want him to associate good food with a bad time in his life)

Nausea is common during chemo, and ginger can sometimes help this - put slices of ginger in his drinks before he starts chemo (starting now).

It is good to try and improve his general health as much as possible before chemo starts - the healthier his body, the better the prognosis. Feeling loved is very important to healing, and laughter really is the best medicine. I know that laughter may not feel very appropriate at the moment, but if you can somehow get him to laugh his healing will be more rapid.

I hope this helps a bit, and my best wishes go with you. If you would like any more info, please feel free to email me.




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