Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Juls asked for a separate thread about boosting immunity so here goes. If you have anything to offer -- things that helped or didn't throughout treatments, then please do share.


I think I eluded to this elsewhere but I abstained from taking neulasta during chemo. I read about how it works to push the pedal on the bones to produce white blood cells which can have a protective affect during treatment but I was so depleted this seemed like a bad strategy. You don't push the depleted body to the edge like that. The other things that bothered me were that so many patients were complaining of bone pain from the Neulasta, not only that but that they were being told to take Claritin to deal with the bone pain.

Chemo --> Neulasta --> Claritin

Did this cascade of interventions ever end?

Then I read about a late stage woman with ovarian cancer, they gave her Neulasta again and her body didn't respond, she has used up all of her reserves. I wanted to save this medication for when I needed it.

I asked my Chinese Medicine doc if he could help and he said yes. Early studies indicated that Chinese Medicine could effectively boost the immune system during treatment, it was out there but it matched everyting I knew about this medical approach to the body. I told my MO I was going to hold off and see what Chinese Medicine could do for me. He put me on a tea pill formula he labelled "Energy" and the next round of blood labs the nurse said, "that's weird." Immediately I went into a panic, who wants their chemo nurse saying that their blood labs are weird? She continued, "your levels went up when they usually go down". It was the TCM, and it was working.

If that wasn't proof enough, after chemo ended my TCM doc got me off "Energy" and onto a kidney formula, to help recover from chemo pain (I could barely walk the stairs). My MO started getting worried when two blood draws showed lowered WBC counts; he suggested it might be because of the Chinese herbs. That didn't make sense to me as my body had been fine with the treatments all the way through so why would it start affecting me now, plus TCM is about boosting the body, not depleting it. I keep all my blood labs in a spreadsheet and I entered my labs and kept thinking about this. Suddenly I noticed the spike up and the spike down -- my body had responded, going up when it should have gone down and down when they thought it should go up -- the Chinese herbs were to "blame" because they were working. I called over to my TCM office to ask and they agreed that it was probably that I needed to be on the "Energy" formula, and also because the body and blood were strained as we started to shift seasons into Late Summer -- the time of the spleen and blood (I know about Chinese 5 Element Theory also).

I've stayed on that formula since and there haven't been any issues.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I will post here for those that are like me and were diagnosed early stage, as to what I have done to support my body, based on my Chinese Medicine doctor's recommendations. (For any patients in Atlanta that are interested, his name is David Hobbs / Hobbs Acupuncture and is at Piedmont West. He says he doesn't sell supplements and that keeps him honest. He does speaking engagements about the vitamin industry and only recommends the absolute best -- and that the absolute best are always changing...)
His suggestions were based on helping my immune system, heart and aiding my very sluggish digestion. (ok, I have severe constipation LOL)

Jarrodophilis by Jarrow (refrigerated formula) 1 - 3x a day, before or with a meal for overall gut health
Triphala by Planetary Formulas 2@night and 2@morning, if needed, for bowel regularity

Magnesium Citrate by Nutricology 1 am & 1 pm, for cardiac health, etc.
Ubiquinol 100 mg (COQ10) by Jarrow 1 am & 1 pm, with food, for cardiac health, etc.

Vitamin D Supreme 5000 IU with Vitamin K1&K2 by Designs for Health, 1 per day (get blood test from md to make sure levels are high enough with one capsule per day), immune system

Ultimate Omega by Nordic Naturals, 1 3x a day with food, anti-inflammatory
Super Bio-Curcumin by Life Extension, 1 2x per day with a meal, anti-inflammatory

Purple Mushroom Defense by Enzymatic Therapies, 1 2x per day, immune system
ECGc by Designs for Health, green tea, 1 2x per day, immune system

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Ann - Thanks for starting this thread.
I don't have much to add - realise now that I have done little to help my immune system.
The one thing I have done is take Vit D3. This was directly in response to side effect of Femara. I found that I was getting really stiff after starting it. I did some research and found an Oxford Journal report on AI's. The recommendation was that if on Femara you should take Vit D. I started in August last year. Unfortunately I didn't get Doctor to agree to test Vit D level until Dec 15 (not a standard test here). About the same time Scottish Health Board also suggested/recommended that most of us here would be low so should supplement. So 2 good reasons to take. 70 to 80 was the level I wanted. When tested I was at 72! Good result. One of the Nurses had just had Vit D tested & she was 17!!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Improve your gut health

Most of our immune system is in our gut, and my sense of this disease is that is has its roots in liver-pancreas-intestinal dysfunction.

Take probiotics -- I take HLC probiotic formula from Pharmax, my naturopathic onc has also recommended Integrative Therapeutics Pro-Flora formula. Switching between more than one probiotic is supposed to be better he said.

http://www.pharmaca.com/pharmax-hlc-...tency-60-vcaps
http://www.integrativepro.com/Produc...mens-Probiotic

If you are going through every three week chemo now, don't take anything the first 7-10 days, starting s could days before treatment. Once you get over that hump you should have two weeks clear to work on your gut and diet - and if you want to get better you will use that time to try to restore your system. I was really depleted when I was diagnosed, I used this strategy to help restore during chemo, from four pregnancies, two live births, and seven years of breastfeeding (I wasn't out to win prizes, everything I read said you could breastfeed as long as you wanted to).

I have a ton more links about the microbiota but Im on my phone now. Let me know if you want more to read.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi Ann
Thanks for info. Will look into this.
I am back on chemo (Xeloda) - Today is 14th day of tablets. Didn't get time to think before I was put on it on 31st Dec. So no preparation - diet or otherwise!
Any thoughts welcome!!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Sonya,

Would you mind sharing what your basic monthly cost for your supplements runs? Is any of it covered by insurance. CoQ10 is sooo expensive and I ended up dropping it because I wasn't able to measure benefit. Expense is really holding me back.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I take UBQH (activated CoQ10) for my heart and brain, though my naturopathic said to take a break during brain rads.

Evidently even chemo will cause heart damage and not just the targeted therapies. I've heard of much high dosages being called for but I take it morning and night.

Recently I heard the story of a grandmother whose heart let out while on a walk with her grandchildren. She had breast csncer treatment many years ago but they attributed the cause to heart damage from chemo years before. Obviously this is an extreme case but since the "standard of care" is to do nothing, it is hard to see the benefit of doing nothing

Maybe we should add CoQ10 as a standard therapy after Herceptin and chemo to our list on the working thread, for our patient manifesto.

Ann

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I was told COQ10 good to take especially if EF % drops due to Herceptin treatment.
Available from £6 here ( naturesbest.co.uk & iherb.com).
Have not taken it so far but may be worth considering.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Another thought/suggestion
Turmeric?
Said to be anti- inflammatory and an antioxidant.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Green Tea is #1 for me - drink 3 cups a day, Turmeric definitely. There is a great homemade tea my nutritionist gave me: Almond milk (I use vanilla flavored), turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. Heat via microwave or saucepan. Excellent!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Your tea sounds excellent, Jessica! How much of each spice in the tea?

Thanks so much for posting this!!

Carol Ann

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Carol Ann - for the tea measurements, I just do a 1/4 tsp of each or however much you desire the strength of each spice.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Sugar - cut back on refined carbs, sugars are known to lower your immunity. In Chinese Medicine they take this further and say it dampens the Spleen (pancreas). In Western medicine we understand that it can cause dysregulation in the pancreas which affects the insulin and glycogen metabolization in the liver and the lived is the cornerstone of our immune system.

I suspect that extra sugar is also promotive of imbalance towards negative strains in your gut, the microbiota also being a large part of one's immune system.

Further, extra sugar causes dysregulation of calcium, magnesium and other electrolytes in the body which unless corrected causes problems with multiple hormonal and nutritional pathways in the body.

Eat. Less. Simple. Sugars.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I am taking 100mg of CoQ10 and 1000 units of D3 every day. I am going to add 1 gram of Turkey Tail (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WGROQIM?) beginning next week. These are all the recommended dosages on the bottles. Does anyone have any recommendations for dosing?

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I just lost a long reply I had typed. :-((

Hey Tracy,
I get my supplements from Amazon, bc I feel like they have the best prices. If you can find someone to examine you that is a naturopath or Chinese medicine practitioner, they can help you determine exactly what your body needs, so that you don't take things unnecessarily. The CoQ10 / Ubiquinol QH-Absorb, 100 mg, 120 count is around $30. Since I take 2 per day, it costs $15 per month. That's not too much, but when added in with a bunch of other things, it can get very pricy. I say take what you are told you need when you can and take breaks from time to time.

My insurance never pays for supplements, naturopath or Chinese medicine. It's what I consider my safety net, though, and it keeps my numbers from rising.

The green tea recipe that Jessica posted is a great idea of something that will help with inflammation. And it sounds delicious. I will be drinking that tonight by the fire! Sounds so good with the cold weather coming our way. (Thank you, Jessica for the yummy recipe!)

Scrunch the Cat, I like that Turkey Tail is a mushroom supplement! I took a different one, listed above, and took one am and one pm. I just went back for a follow up and I am off of it for now.

Juls, it is amazing what good things Vitamin D does for our bodies. I am so glad your levels are at the level you wanted. Dontcha just love it when we get some good news?!

I very rarely eat sugar or simple carbs and I try to buy organic food when available. Drink good quality water with low acidity. I do have my weaknesses, though.

Ann, you impress me and I can tell you have done so much research. I am learning a lot from each of you ladies! Thank you!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

One thing I left off my reply when I re-typed it...

Beautiful picture of you, Tracy!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Please see my updated thread -- WHY I TAKE SUPPLEMENTS...

Chock full of info on this topic and staying alive beyond all statistics...

I will post an updated supplement list for those who would like to see it.

I warn you it's very very very long, but I swear it's why I am still here. Been taking supplements from my integrative oncologist since 1998. Every day. And I will continue forever...

I believe it's part of my secret recipe that I am honored to share with all who are interested.

LOTS OF IMMUNE BOOSTERS and more, for energy, to fight off free radicals, to detoxify, heart healthy to keep your EF up...

This thread reminded me and I searched for it and came up with a batch of other old threads that are worthy of reading at your leisure. A font of information from all our old friends.

I smile looking at their faces and remembering how much I love them. I am speaking of those no longer with us. But watching over us I think. I will never forget them.

And the faces of many who are still here!!!! And I rejoice in that!!!!

Still sticking with the HER2 support board. Cause we find so much knowledge, inspiration and caring in our shared journeys and from our hearts...

With love, as always,
Andi

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi Andi!

I am so happy to see your post here! Some time ago, I ran across your supplement list and had been unable to find it again. Today, with your help, I have been able to find it and have been reading, copying and pasting your lists and recommendations. You are so uplifting and I am grateful for your positivity and that you are doing so well after going through SO much. You are a blessing!!

Yours,
Sonya

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi Sonjabegonia!

And ALL...

Just posted a new thread -- 2016 UPDATED SUPPLEMENT LIST

Sorry I didn't get to alphabetize it. It's a project getting all my ducks in a row.

I buy 5 or 10 supps and then try 1 for 3-4 days. My body will tell me if I can stay on it or not.

Then I proceed and add another and so on.

After I am all done -- which takes kind of forever -- I retry the ones that were rejected by my body. Sometimes, I am good to go. Most times, nope.

I give the bottle to someone who might be able to benefit from it and bite my lip and toss it in the garbage.

There was one Lycopene or something like that. The new super food supplement. Well my body can't handle it. I gave it away to my hairdresser who was delighted.

I can't seem to metabolize fruity things. IBS is very demanding. And you don't want to end up with 2-5 hrs of bathroom drama, often in the middle of the night! So I obey...

Here's to your good health, my Sisters.

Check out the new thread please...

In my old thread -- WHY I TAKE SUPPLEMENTS THREAD -- which you may also be interested in -- I mention my list is on the Survivor's page. Do I have a clue what that means? Tried to search for it, but failed.

So -- here's my gift to you -- 2016 UPDATED SUPPLEMENT LIST must read...

Hugs,
Andi

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Does anyone have a suggestion to help avoid getting sick from air travel? Staying home or driving isn't always an option. I didnt get sick at all while I was getting Nuelasta the day after chemo but I dont think my onc will prescribe that.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I am off to check the new supplement list of yours, Andi! Thank you for being a beacon of light for us all!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Donna,

I am not sure about what to suggest, but maybe Lorezapam would be helpful. Are you talking about motion sickness? That would help with nausea. My onc prescribed it for me as an extra measure of protection from nausea after chemo treatments. I still keep it on hand to help me sleep when needed. A tiny dose works wonders. Just make sure your dose is helpful and that it does not interfere with your ability to drive, if you will be driving after your flight.

Hope that helps!

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi Sonya-
No motion sickness - I just seem to get a really bad cold after air travel. A cold that lasts about 2 weeks or more. I never had this problem before treatment. I started taking vitamin C but there's probably more I should or could be doing.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

One thing I can offer -- and I am sure there is a more holistic way to handle this, but anytime you fly or go in for surgery or anything, take a small amount of antibiotic ointment -- Bactroban, which requires a prescription, is the best, I was told - and put it on a q-tip and lightly coat the inside of your nose. This keeps any horrid germs from entering a dry and perhaps cracked nose interior where germs would love to set up shop.

Besides that, I remember seeing some natural remedies / preventatives on another post. I will look for it and post it here.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I copied this from a thread from Andrea Barnett Budin. It's called 2016 Supplement
List, which is fabulous. So, this is not preventative, after all. But if you are up for it, her list of supplements - and mine - can give you some ideas of how to boost your immune system. I say find a trusted naturopath and begin a plan made just for you.

HELPFUL ADVICE -- Take ONLY when feeling sick:
Zinc -- 30 mg (+ when sick -- lozenges 23 mg up to 6 x a day
vITAMIN C - 1,000 X 3
Echincea with goldenseal 900
Astragalus 1,000

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Thanks for the antibiotic ointment BACTROBAN, Sonya. That is an excellent suggestion! Used to put something else in my nose that kind of disappeared. Originator sold company then didn't like the way they were doing things. And -- seems to be gone. But it worked!

And again, thank you, Sonya, for the post about the zinc ax 4 a day, plus Vit C 1,000 x 3 a day + Echinacea with goldenseal and Astragalus.

It is great at first sign of cold. But if you get sick w/plane travel (petry dish of germs in airplanes where you breathe it all in for hrs) and touch surfaces 100s of pp touch -- try starting a day or two before and of course THE DAY OF. Throw in a day or two after. THAT SHOULD KEEP YOU HEALTHY, Donna!

I was just about to post exactly that Sonya, when I saw it wasn't about motion sickness.

You are a wise and savvy lady. Quick learner. And you SHARE. I love you!

Andi

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Ann
One step forward!
Started with probiotic yogurt this morning!
Been taking Vit D so adding calcium from today as well.

Andi

Going through list!!

Thanks
Juls

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I recall when Dr. Gaynor first handed me my lists -- pages and pages -- subdivided into IMMUNE SYSTEM, DIGESTIVE HEALTH, blah, blah. Overwhelming. And ridiculous to think I could ever...

But my blood #s are always impeccable, despite a little cancer back in the day. I have read over the yrs on this site that this Sister or that Sister stopped taking their supplements. They didn't know why.

First of all, I knew why. It's a big damn pain the ass! You have to be rigid in your protocol. Well, when I was on all these meds for pain and whatever w/the hard chemo, and I was so sick, I had to be my own nurse. I would keep a list in the bathroom, on the vanity and write the day and date and the time I took each and every pill. I'd write the next time I needed to take whatever (for diarrhea or nausea and so on) -- and I'd carefully put a check mark next the one I had just actually taken and I'd turn the bottle upside down for good measure. I was meticulous. I kept a chart on ME.

I kept hydrated. I was very good. I couldn't eat but I'd crawl to the pantry and take a shaking handful of nuts and eat 1 handful, because you have to!

But I got to notice that the Sisters who stopped taking their supplements -- and I don't mean this as a scare tactic, just an observation -- I began to worry b/c those who stopped would soon and suddenly be in hospice and die.

So that served as incentive enough for me to stick with the program. These pills keep me alive and they keep me healthy and well!!!

A friend of mine was given her list from Dr. G. She told him -- okay, pick 10 -- any 10. And I'll take them. She has had 3 primary cancers. She takes 10. Every morning. She takes the AM pills and the PM pills in the AM. That's it. She has no tolerance for any more. That's her thing. Aside from the 3 cancers, she is still alive many yrs later. She will soon be 80.

So you must do what you're comfortable with.

It's a cost. It's a major bother. It's a project. I feel -- it's the least I can do. I am off chemo. I am miraculously still here. I do BELIEVE with all my heart that these pills have a profound effect on my health and well-being. And I do it all so by rote at this point, I cannot imagine what I would do without them. I THINK OF MY SUPPS AS MY LIFELINE.

Just as I do the meditation and the self talk thing and the guided imagery. I BELIEVE. I live open to LOVE, GRATITUDE, COMPASSION, GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT, GIVING GOD A REASON TO KEEP ME AROUND. I appreciate the smallest of things. Like having hair that won't blow away in a gust of wind. Like being able to breathe. Swear. I can walk and talk. Feed and bathe myself. I can type. Communicate. These are all great blessings.

A few mnths before my orig dx, the young rugged handsome actor who fell off his horse and became paralyzed from the neck down, whose name escapes me for a moment. It's in my book. I kept telling my husb that my 4th stage invasive lobular carcinoma could have so much worse. My husb would look at me as if I had lost my mind. I'd say I'M LUCKY...! He'd say, If you were lucky, you wouldn't have cancer.

No, my mother had Alzheimers and had lost her mind, become totally paralyzed. I KNEW well how blessed I was. And I know well now to appreciate all that has been given me. It impelled me on to a spiritual path I can see in retrospect I was unconsciously on all along, but after my dx I began to see the world in such intense colors. The chipped paint on the front door mid winter (when they couldn't fix it) that I saw every day several times a day as I came and went and annoyed the hell out of me -- no longer mattered. In the scheme of things, Who cares?

I did google each of the supps. I did need to understand why I was taking each one. You approach it in your own way. And please feel grateful for Dr. G's secret recipe to success. Don't abuse the honor. Share it with others. And follow it for all of the years of the long life it will grant you.

AHAH! Christopher Reeve...

Just saying..

Love,
Andi

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

While I am not a huge fan of supplements, I figure in the current situation it can't hurt! I have added the following supplements to my daily routine while I wait for more testing:

Flax Seed Lignans: 125 mg Lignan daily
curcumin: 1000 mg daily
plant phytosterols: 1500 mg daily
CoQ10: 75 mg daily
Vit D: 3000 daily
fish oil: 1200 mg daily
flax seed oil: 1300 mg daily
Grape seed extract: 800 mg daily

The Flax Seed lignans, curcumin, and grape seed extract have some research supporting their cancer fighting properties...although the research is limited and for the most part small studies.

Plant phytosterols, fish oil and flax seed oil have less research supporting their role in cancer, but I figure it can't hurt and with cardiovascular disease in my family (familial hypercholesterolemia) these are good supplements to help with heart health even if the research is spotty

Vit D and CoQ10 are thought to have some beneficial effect but I haven't seen any really convincing research done. Still, can't hurt.

I say these can't hurt because I am not on chemotherapy which could interfere with some of these agents. I don't know which might cause problems with chemo so use carefully and under the guidance of a physician.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Have been researching supplements. In particular AHCC (mushroom compound). Have ordered it but now worrying if doing right thing!
Why is it that I allow chemo (now on xeloda) in my body but I am hesitant about supplements?
Is it just me?

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Anything new is difficult for me. And most.

Ingesting anything new is especially challenging.

Why did you choose that immune booster?

Mushroom blend is excellent choice. Not sure about other ingredients. AND THE PRICE...!!!!!!! Yikes.

I take New Chapter Lifeshield mushroom blend. Did you check out those ingredients? And the price?

I like dealing with Vitacost.com -- b/c they never give me a hard time if I order the wrong thing and they just refund and don't even want me to return. They say -- give it to someone else who can use it.

Their prices are excellent plus they run promos all the time. Promo pocket in upper right hand corner. And, if on their email list, you get notification of all sales.

That's my input for whatever it's worth, Juls.

BE WELL...!

Hugs,
A.

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Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi Andi
I read an article about AHCC and how it is used by Doctors in Japan. The article stressed that it should be pharma grade only. I found it on offer at £31 and ordered it. Then I started to worry - should I take when on Xeloda - so I did more research yesterday. By sheer luck discovered that a study has been done with patients taking UFT chemo(Fluorouracil) & AHCC . There was a significant improvement in tumour suppression . Xeloda changes to Fluorouracil in the body. So thought worth taking to boost immune system.
Still a bit unsure about what to take or not. I know this is silly. I rarely took anything prior to BC!
I will look at the brands you mention.
Juls

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Yes, Jackie.

It was such a tragic thing to see a young healthy man so completely incapacitated. In a wheelchair. Couldn't turn his head. Needed to blow into a tube to get air, and to speak a few words. I can't even imagine living like that. Do you remember him? And his story?

Juls, and ALL -- I rarely took anything before bc. Ever. Not for period cramps or whatever.

'95 mastec, tram flap, chemos (4) for 9 mnths w/all the awful side effects. I was found to be borderline ER/PR so they put me on Tamoxifen.

In '98 when my 4th stage invasive lobular bc had spread throughout my liver. Minor change in my always predictable liver enzymes was the tip off. Surgical biopsy confirmed same bc but also that I was HER2+ (Herceptin still in clinical trials -- I'd read all about it -- but I asked to be tested anyway.) I was then found to be ER-/PR-. Docs told me to flush the Tamoxifen.

I did all the pre op testing and scans (full body, not ECHO, the more invasive one for heart, a stress test, bld, bld, bld and more more more) I also went to 2 more oncs for input plus the integrative oncologist (Dr. Gaynor) cause I'd read his book in '95 and KNEW if I ever needed such a person I would go to him. He was spiritual, holistic, saw the patient as a body and a soul, psychologically and physically.

Onc #1 said Taxol. Onc #2 said Navelbene cause it was kinder, gentler and they'd already told me I would be on longterm chemotherapy for the rest of my life. Onc #3 said Taxotere. Why? B/c what you have is a highly aggressive form of bc and Taxotere is the most aggressive weapon we have in our arsenal. I decided to fight fire with fire and take the harder road. (Tempting though the kinder gentler path was.)

Dr. G, the integrative onc, gave me my list of suggested supplements. All other docs said to wait till after chemo to start the supps. I called Dr. G. He said -- IT IS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY, WHEN YOUR BODY IS UNDER ATTACK FROM THE CANCER AND THE EFFECTS OF THE CHEMO, THAT YOU MOST NEED TO BE ON THE SUPPLEMENTS!

It took great courage but I went with his advice. He was the expert on these. And over the yrs I would learn that mainstream western docs don't believe in supps, are still waiting for more studies to come out to scientifically prove their efficacy. If I had waited, I swear I wouldn't be here today.

So be brave I say, and go with your gut. My gut said, listen to this doc's advice.

I told you his first book HEALING ESSENCE by Dr. Mitchell Gaynor is or was on Amazon for 99 cents. I recommend it highly. It says sooo much!!!!!!!!!!! It said what I'd long been thinking. The mindbody connection is real and yet another tool we need to tap into. So I meditate and use guided imagery and mantras, talking to my body, and the Universe.

And I take my supplements, one at a time, every day (2-4 x a day). Empty stomach pills, AM pills, PM pills, SLEEP pills which include some prescriptions for high blood pressure and high cholesterol but are predominately over the counter supplements.

Any questions, just ask.

Again, thanks Jackie for looking for and finding Christopher Reeve's tale...

Hugs,
Andi

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Hi
As you know I'm not impressed with part of my Onc team at the moment. Not getting much from them and certainly not reassurance. If I mention taking supplements - it might just tip them over the edge!
I realise that when on chemo you need them most. My concern is that I take something that works against treatments so have been researching first. The problem I have come across is that I'm triple positive (7 on ER+ scale) & while some are suitable for Her2 they are not for ER+ (& vice versa). Think this is what is confusing/worrying me.
Juls

P.S. Going to look on Amazon for Dr Gaynors book.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I do say -- these supplements were suggested by Dr. Gaynor for me -- ER-/PR- HER2+... ALSO I am post menopausal. Age 53 when given this list. Tailor it for YOU specifically, as best you can. And definitely go with what your GUT / INSTINCTS / Inner Voice tell you to do...

So yes, Juls, you must consider that you are ER+...

DR. GAYNOR HAS OTHER BOOKS WHICH GIVE YOU HIS SUPPLEMENT SPIEL THAT YOU MAY WANT TO PERUSE.

Your reluctance is understandable.

Mainstream docs do NOT like supplements. They don't understand them, have knowledge of them, trust them. Our med schools do not teach about these. It's kind of alternative / integrative / ancient Eastern thinking...

You are not going to get an OKAY let alone that sounds great from your docs. No docs (brilliant, top of their game, whatever) are into this stuff.

Though my fav onc has included a once a wk, or maybe once a mnth, class on these. His registered nurse is into them and may be pushing him. He's been my onc since 1995 and even though he tells me all the time that he tells all his patients and other docs about me and my miraculous survival, he still isn't a fan of supplements. He just remains mute at this point about them. After all, can't argue with success...

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

I see the 99 cent HEALING ESSENCE paperback is no longer available on Amazon.

I would definitely buy a USED book. I have done this many times before through Amazon and the book always comes in pristine condition. Amazing to me. I make a mess out of a book as I nearly devour it...!!!!!!!

What I see is available:

Dr. Gaynor's Cancer Prevention Program: M. Gaynor: 9781575663821: Amazon.com: Books

The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle: Mitchell L. Gaynor MD, Mehmet C. Oz M.D.

check out:
books » Gaynor Integrative Oncology

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor is most known for his work exploring and integrating alternative health modalities into his cancer treatment protocols. His interests led him to author six books and record three albums (with jazz-pop pianist Jon Regen) that topped the Billboard magazine New Age charts after an appearance on the influential Dr. Oz show.

His Work
Dr. Gaynor's interest in alternative medicine was sparked during his postdoctoral work at Rockefeller University when he came across research looking into nutrient-gene interactions and the immune system.

He was inspired by the idea that what we eat and our environment play a role, if not the most significant role, in our health, an idea that many conventional doctors still have difficulty embracing.

This research manifested in his practice through his focus on the immune system, nutritional supplementation, and a desire to find the root cause of diseases instead of merely treating the symptoms.


This is what drew me to Gaynor in Healing Essence. It was awesome. THE MINDBODY CONNECTION, treating the patient (mind body and soul) not just the symptoms!!

Inspiration struck again in the early 1990s when Dr. Gaynor treated a Tibetan monk who gifted him with a traditional Tibetan singing bowl. Dr. Gaynor viewed the inclusion of behavioral therapies like music, meditation, chanting, and breathing exercises to be an essential part of overall health and wellness, as they lower stress hormones and blood pressure and increase the function of the immune system.

He became fascinated by SOUND THERAPY. Tibetan bowls and more...

His first books, published in 1999, helped him build a successful practice and presence in the alternative and conventional medical fields.

The Alternative Health Field Grows More Intriguing Every Day

google:
books » Gaynor Integrative Oncology


Nurture Nature Nurture Health – Your Health And The Environment

Read Nurture Nature Nurture Health

This is a large PDF file (256 MB), which may take a couple of minutes to download.

.... quick and easy ways to detoxify the body


... building the immune system is key in fighting cancer

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

At hospital today for Herceptin and Zometa (had to reassure Nurses again about Zometa and dental treatment)
Then Nurse says - we have to give you calcium and Vit D as well!
So after all previous discussion about supplements and Doctors not keen on them - Staff give me Calcium and Vit D. Told them again I already took them but to no avail. Came home with enough to last months!!
I realise that they are basic but its a step forward.
Have to say this amused me.

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Yes just about all docs (I see them ON THE NEWS...!!!) saying everyone should be taking Vit D and calcium.

Re dosages. Calcium (a body can only absorb 400-500 mg at a time, so I take 3 x a day). Vit D (mine is normal but low, so I have slowly increased to 10,000 every day). I am now mid range good.

Docs seem also to be open to probiotics.

Some are good with E W/Toph

Should be taking Selenium. Just saying.

And of course IMMUNE BOOSTERS and DETOXIFIERS...

Yes, it takes decades to get them this far. Hope they continue to evolve.

Co Q 10...

Re: Boosting Your Immune System - share your ideas
 

Last year Scottish Health Board recommended that all should take Vit D!
Calcium prescribed yesterday was 1200mg & Vit D @ 800 I.U daily.
I have been taking Vit D since last August at 1000 I.U which has given me a good level of 72. Think I might continue with my own capsules.
I downloaded the pdf by Dr Gaynor and I am part way through it. Just read about Selenium.
What is E/W Toph?
Juls