Today was a good day to just relax and rest. The weather cooked up some great "flurries" as they call them here, and the wind is picking up speed tonight. Michellie rested and even became a little bored in the process. That was nice to see. David was able to get a fair bit of work done, and Michelle cooked all morning and then napped all afternoon. We have lots of soup and even Michellie is getting the kale shakes down. David and I are actually really enjoying them. Our neighbor Jill sent over fresh kale, and it is fabulous!
Anyone know anything about Vitamin C IV's, and about taking Vitamin C with cancer? Thanks for any suggestions for sites to see or books to have a look at.
I refer you to my favourite
ReplyDelete-the Mayo Clinic site:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-cancer-treatment/AN01572
Claims made in the 1970s of this therapy have never been substantiated. There is no evidence that vitamins are absorbed better via IV therapy. Most are acids, so being subjected to stomach acids is not detrimental.
Keep in mind that Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, and after the maximum dose useful to the body has been absorbed, the rest does nothing except be flushed down the toilet.
Another concern about loading the body, be it vitamins, chemo or anything, is how it is excreted from the body, which typically is through the kidneys or liver. Hence liver and kidney function tests to make sure they are in good working order.
ReplyDeleteExcess Vitamin C has been linked to kidney stones and a depletion of B12, so it's important to weigh the benefits and risks.
After all this information, I have to remind you that you are doing a terrific job already by making dietary changes, and making sure that everyone is eating properly. Anyone who can get David to enjoy kale smoothies is okay in my books.
ReplyDeletewww.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/123682.php
ReplyDeletewww.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070910132848.htm
Two interesting articles, one cautioning about the fact that Vit C may interfere with chemo drugs -- but your health care team has likely advised you already about discontinuing vitamins 48 hours before chemo infusions -- and the second which may be of interest to your science guy David. You are already doing so much with those green shakes that it is not likely your daughter needs any more supplementation! Amazing the participation you've garnered! Thinking of you often and sending much light and love your way.
I forgot to tell you that candied ginger is a very effective anti-nausea rx. I got so sick of it during chemo that I can hardly look at it now, but herself might like it, or I wonder if it would go in a smoothie? Hmmmm....
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the great comments everyone. We have made a few more changes, and after a huge plate of veggies for snack yesterday, we feel we have more than surpassed our required servings for at least a few days! Thanks for the sites to look at as well. I am slowly making my way through these.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, good point about the ginger. Many people who have to do Methotrexate in particular find ginger tea effective. However, speaking from experience, ginger tea makes no dent in nausea when your Mtx dosage is upwards of a litre at a time. Nonetheless, nausea is such an awful feeling that ginger tea is worth a try. On big treatment days, i.e. maximum nausea, I subsisted on plain oatmeal, mashed potatoes and applesauce -- not the most nutritious but definitely the easiest to take as it came back up which helped me not get so anxious when the nausea hit. Then made up for these lost days by great nutrition on days when the nausea was not a really big factor. With the amazing diet you have implemented in your household, nutrition will not be an issue, even with a write-off day now and again. You are definitely on the right track, putting your questions out to the universe and then sorting through the answers that come to see what best fits Michellie's unique situation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the help with the nausea. It never occurred to us to have Michellie eat food that was easy to bring back up. That is a good idea. If we can save the throat some more pain, that would be good. Michellie is not a fan of ginger, but I did use Sharon D's recipe for Ginger chicken tonight, and loaded it up. Thanks for that tip too.
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