integrative doctor-interesting tests

Erinb
Erinb Member Posts: 293
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi,
My husband will most likely be on chemo for a long while unless another option becomes available. In the meantime, I scheduled an appointment to see an integrative doctor to help him manage some of the side effects of chemotherapy. I was surprised by all of the tests the doctor wanted done. Heavy metal testing, adrenal gland testing, yeast and bacteria, vitamin D levels and he gave him several supplements including vitamin D, probiotics, IP6 and Inositol, and vitamin C. The doctor has been in practice for over thirty years and was only a half an hour away. I didn't even know his office existed. We'll see what the results are when he gets all of the test results back. I'd like to see how the doctor interprets them and what he recommends.
I haven't said anything to the oncologist yet. I'm not sure what his opinion would be. I know many of the supplements have antioxidants. I have heard not to overdo the antioxidants during therapy as chemo may not be as effective. The integrative doctor said the evidence wasn't strong enough to support that theory.
Also my husband's chemosensitivity test or response DX should be coming back within the next two weeks to see the type of chemo his tumor will best respond to.
Needless to say, he does a lot for me. I'm lucky to have a husband who is willing to go to different doctors, get multiple opinions, and listen to the endless list of questions I have when we go to the doctor. :)
Erin

Comments

  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #2
    sounds awesome!
    How did you hear about the integrative doctor? Sounds like he's really got it going on and you guys rock for looking for the additional assistance! My vitamin D levels are low as well and I've been supplementing. Glad the time of the sun is finally here so I can help my body to produce it naturally as well! Look forward to hearing good things from you guys!
    mary
  • Erinb
    Erinb Member Posts: 293
    #3
    msccolon said:

    sounds awesome!
    How did you hear about the integrative doctor? Sounds like he's really got it going on and you guys rock for looking for the additional assistance! My vitamin D levels are low as well and I've been supplementing. Glad the time of the sun is finally here so I can help my body to produce it naturally as well! Look forward to hearing good things from you guys!
    mary

    I read a book about several
    I read a book about several vitamins and herbal supplements that may boost immunity so I went to the health store and asked about some of them. I mentioned to the sales person I would feel more comfortable with a doctor's recommendation rather than self treating, and then he gave me names of two medical doctors in the area that practiced integrative medicine. I googled both of their names and one of them was the president of the Integrative College of Medicine. He doesn't specialize in cancer treatment, but he's very knowledgeable.

    When I went through my husband's paperwork, I found the questionnaire interesting so I scheduled an appointment for myself. I have had sinus problems for the last three years and when they get bad, I get a prescription for sinusitis. This doctor is actually trying to find the cause through allergy, mold, bacteria, and yeast testing. Hopefully this will prevent the sinus issues in the first place. My tests weren't as extensive as my husbands and I wasn't prescribed any supplements. Most likely I have allergies and I'll require a shot once a year. We'll see.
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #4
    Cool
    Erin,

    Keep us posted on what the testing shows. I was lucky that my oncologist at one of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (UNC-Chapel Hill) agreed that there was no data to support supplements including antioxidants having any effect on chemo. He had heard the talk but never saw anything substantial to back it up. He felt that way in 2004 and still feels that way today. I was stage IV back then and have been NED 5 1/2 years now and feel all the supplements I took helped me be where I am today!!

    Have you ever tried a neti pot for your sinuses? They work really well. Saline drops are good too. I totally agree with your new doc looking for the root cause instead of just treating the symptoms. Americans have gotten so lazy that we take meds, some with nasty side effects, to "fix" things that could be cured/reversed by dietary changes and exercise for free and no side effects (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and erectile dysfunction are a few that come to mind).

    Good for you for getting some complimentary help for you and your husband!!

    Lisa P.

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