tumeric (again....sorry)

Janie:
When George started Folfox our oncologist said NO supplements, nothing more than a multi vitamin. They have reasons for saying this. Many people have heard the same thing, no starting supplements.

That being said I'm sure someone will be on to contradict me. In any event, George was diagnosed advanced Stage IV in March, 09 and he is still here kicking and driving me nuts.

As far as Folfox goes, George handled it very well and worked full time throughout. Many, many if not most do continue working. Is it tough, well heck yes, its chemo!

Take care - Tina

unknown said:

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Oh Gracie:
Some can and some can't work. I will say when George walked in the door his day was done, I took over doing everything household wise. We are in a condo so there was no outside work to be done. Maybe that helped, I don't know. Working or not, you just do what is right for you, there is no right or wrong. No kids in the house anymore so that definitely helps, no running around to do kid stuff so he got a solid 8 to 10 hours sleep.

If someone wants to work they should be encouraged to do so. Many jobs simply can't be done while on chemo, manual labor, utility companies, stuff like that.

Some are totally wiped out by chemo so they need to listen to their body and just do what is right for them. Fighting their cancer takes precedent over everything else. Of course, turning over the remote control was quite difficult, I endured more sports shows to last a lifetime!

Hugs - Tina

Cancer is fought on many fronts.
The battle for Cancer is fought on many fronts. Diet is one of the fronts. Vitamin supplements is another front. Mental Health is another front. Family and Friend's support is another front. Exercise is another front. All of these areas makes one healthy.

I would not change my diet dramaticaly while on chemo. I would ease in to any change. I changed my diet a little while on FolFox. I am on my final treatment of Folfox. I took vitamin supplements and if Tumeric gives you a better chance, add it a little at a time to your diet. Any drastic changes and you will not be able to tell if this is a side effect of the Chemo or the added supplement.

One of the side effects of taking Omega 3s is it throws off one's INR. (Blood Thin) Omega 3s, 6s, and 12s in balance help control pain. Cinnamon helps brain function, vitamin D helps one from getting viruses, but it also messes with the INR. Blood thinners may be needed to control clotting after surgery.

FolFox has many side effects. You may get some, and you may get all of them. Headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and cold sensitivity to name a few. These are controllable and you will have to find a drug combination that works for you. I found Ginger helps me with the nausea. I drink Gatoraid to ease the headaches. The cold burned my hands after a couple of treatments. I use kevlar oven gloves (from Target) to get things out of the chill box and the oven. lol Taste will change. I perceive taste different then I did before chemo.

We can give people ideas on what to expect and what worked for us individually to treat an issue(s). We are not doctors and one needs to consult their doctor to see if the idea(s) make sense for their situation. I would also talk to a good pharmacist before I took any drugs. My pharmacist will tell me that this drug for that symptom does not make any sense. My pharmacist will also tell me side effects of supplements and the different drugs I am taking.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you! It is a finite time that one is on chemo. No matter how bad it gets, remember that it is a short time in one's life that they are on Chemo. Keep Social and Keep active! This is my second round and it was easier then my first time. I hid away socially my first time and emotionally that was tough.

Best Always, mike