CancerCompass message board discussion started by Annie59 on 11/20/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18146,0.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I have just started chemo--5FU and Oxilaplatin and leuvorcin for 6 months, 2 weeks apart---I want to take an immunity booster from the Health food store inbetween treatments and am getting different opinions from everyone....any advice???  If not, how do I help myself get stronger after chemo????? Annie59 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 11/20/2007 Annie59 wrote:I have just started chemo--5FU and Oxilaplatin and leuvorcin for 6 months, 2 weeks apart---I want to take an immunity booster from the Health food store inbetween treatments and am getting different opinions from everyone....any advice???  If not, how do I help myself get stronger after chemo?????About one month before I began Chemotherapy, I too, wanted to boost my immune system.  I started taking flaxseed.  Along with this, I ate several small meals a day and rested a lot.  I did not eat hardly any red meat but did eat lots and lots of green vegetables, especially kale (have a good recipe if you would like it).    I was never nauseated during chemotherapy.  Tired, yes.  Good Luck! Goodattitude Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Melinda,I just attended a lecture by Dr. Stephen Sager, who is a radiation oncologist who has done a lot of research in the area of complementary therapies. You may want to research information about his research. Generally, we need to keep in mind that supplements - vitamins and otherwise, are not regulated by the government, so that you never really know what you buy off the shelf. There is a reliable site which you may consult: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ It is extensive. Some of the information it provides (through Medline) about flaxseed is the following. Interactions with Drugs Taking flaxseed ( not  flaxseed oil) by mouth may reduce the absorption of other medications. Drugs used by mouth should be taken one hour before or two hours after flaxseed to prevent decreased absorption. People taking mood stabilizers such as lithium should use caution. Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid, which may theoretically lower blood pressure. Individuals taking medications to lower blood pressure should use caution when taking flaxseed. Laxatives and stool softeners may increase or enhance the laxative effects of flaxseed. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil can lower cholesterol levels in animals, but studies in humans show mixed results. In theory, flaxseed may increase the effect of other medications that lower lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels in the blood. Hormonal drugs may be affected. Dietary flaxseed may increase the effects of tamoxifen, a medication used to treat cancer. Consult a qualified oncologist and pharmacist before making decisions about treatment or health conditions. Although studies report conflicting results, the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed and flaxseed oil may increase blood sugar, reducing the effects of diabetes treatments, including insulin and glucose-lowering medications taken by mouth. Flaxseed ( not  flaxseed oil) is a rich source of plant lignans. Lignans are sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens and may possess estrogen-like properties. It is not known if flaxseed can alter the effect of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil theoretically may increase the risk of bleeding, and caution should be used when flaxseed products are taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin ® ) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix ® ), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin ® , Advil ® ) or naproxen (Naprosyn ® , Aleve ®).  ---- just to alert that  it is wise (i) to tell your oncologist of whatever you are planning to take and ask whether s/he is aware of any relevant research; and (ii) research any vitamin or other supplement before embarking on it. Hope that helps.      Hawaii Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Research Poly MVA.... Live4him Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT