Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

Hi All -

I am Stage IV and have liver mets. My most recent treatment was TDM1 and now I am on Doxil. I could not stay in the study due to increased liver enzymes after about 7 months. I seem to be tolerating Doxil just fine. My liver enzymes have been 3 times the the top of the normal range and they have stayed there. The bili is just fine. I have not scanned in 3 months but will do so next month.

The plan now is to do blood work weekly. I am looking to do anything possible that I might be able to do to help my liver. I am going to try to eat beets and carrots twice per day. Any other words of wisdom?

PS - 21 years since initial bc diagnosis including the last 4.5 years with mets. My life is still going on as always.... still taking care of my 11 year old son as a single mom and working full time.

Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Re: Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

Many here have touted milk thistle supplements. I am sure someone will chime in.

I have always heard that with general liver damage, one should avoid fatty foods and of course alcohol.

Acetominphen (tylenol) is also very, very hard on the liver and you should talk to your doctor about taking something else instead if you need something like that (the oncs always recommend Tylenol it seems).

Re: Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

Thanks Becky!

I just found Rich's post on Milk Thistle and it had a link attached so I ordered it online. Not sure about how much to take... Headed to the health food store to buy my juicing supplies and Milk Thistle to tide me over until the mail arrives. Not sure how it helps but I always feel better when I "activate" myself. At least I have the energy to do so thanks to the Decadron from yesterday's chemo... got to get it done today before I crash tomorrow.

Re: Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

Carolyn,

Steph N. used milk thistle. Why not P.M. her and inquire about the dosage?

Hi from Adriana
 

Carolyn,

Drink pineapple juice and lots of it, it will do the trick, guaranteed. I won't do any herbs, you never know it may not get along with the chemo you are on.

Ask the doc, before if you still decide to take the Thistle, though.

Stay well,

Adriana

Re: Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

I have taken milk thistle everyday for the last 11 1/2 years. I never had elevated liver enzymes even during chemo. I never had liver mets.
Pineapple has bromelin (spelling) which is anti inflamatory, but it also has alot of acid, so those people who have trouble with acid should limit pineapple. I live in Hawaii and can't eat too much pineapple.

Re: Looking for ideas to lower liver enzymes
 

hmmm. hadn't heard about the pineapple! I'll try that. I've also taken milk thistle with doctors blessings, even on the tdm1 study.

still not "normal" on my lft's either.