chemo reaction still no better - Chinese medicine?

[Pam P]

New thread same issues....

I've been off the xeloda/tykerb for 8 days now. Still no improvement in mouth sores or fingers, or the most troublesome, swelling around eyes and face. I think the swelling is worse; my cheeks weren't swollen before, just the eyes over and under. I can't even open one eye enough to see well out of it.

Saw onc. last Thurs. so he knows. Talked to onc. nurse yesterday again. No recommended tx except the mouth wash for sores.

My lymphedema therapist worked on my head/neck yesterday & got some swelling to move out but it came back later.

I think my body just got wiped out - toxic - from the drugs and I need to get the immune system to clear out all this swelling etc. My blood tests were all normal - cbc, chemical panel, even vitamin levels, so that's good.

People I know and respect who integrative medicine have suggested I see someone in Chinese medicine for an evaluation & maybe some herbal medicine therapy. I have an appointment with a Chinese Med. Doctor today. I haven't ever done anything with herbs and know nothing about them. I know they always caution about herbs and chemo. Technically I'm not on chemo right now. I told the onc. nurse I was going to see this doc so they know; she said to clear any thing I take with them. I'll let them know but not sure I'll wait for their "permission". Frankly I'd drink elephant pee right now if I thought it would help. I am miserable, just want to sleep, and need to do something to get some improvement and clear this out of my system.

I trust the recommendation of this Chinese doc; former faculty, well respected, etc. not just some herbal store with limited knowledge.

Does anyone here have experience with this type of herbal tx?

I need to get my body back into balance before I can face starting up on yet another chemo either abraxane or tdm1 eap. I have pet/ct scheduled for Friday & from that will know if tdm1 is an option.

Thanks. Pam