jack14

I just learned from my Oncologist that they (her and a consulting Onc who has recently published a paper on MET Amplification) have determined that Crizotnib is more likely to be effective if the mutation has ten or more copies. Also, the side effects that Crizotnib has are usually less troublesome if it is used before immunotherapy rather than after it. This is what my understanding is anyway after hearing it third person.

Absolutely, my Oncologist is fine with my supplements. I always run it by her before I take anything. She has 35 years experience and keeps well informed.

Totally agree. Thanks and you have a good one too!

I read an article about the relationship of cancer and sugar (glucose), awhile back, and it said that all of our cells need sugar to metabolize (function) and to live. The cancer cells are no different and will uptake sugar from the blood at the same rate whether there's an abundance of it or not. To kill cancer by eliminating the amount of sugar in our system would starve ALL of our cells, healthy included, and kill us. That said, bad carbs like refined sugar can promote obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. And welcome aboard there is a plethora of information in here as well as a collection of truly wonderful and caring souls.

Does anyone know if supplemental vitamins are harmful for patients on immunotherapy (Keytruda)?

I have been on Keytruda since May of 2019 and my first side effects were a week after my first infusion. Pain and stiffness in my right wrist, constipation, and some mouth sores. Later I experienced some profound itching in my shins and behind my knee, and a few times some fatique, and heavy night sweats. But the side effects have lessened over time....

Yes very informative!

Thanks Lou

I wonder if my thyroid issue is causing the constpation and partial blockage, or maybe it's adhesions from my AAA surgery five years ago? I have a ventral incissional hernia and the CT revealed some small intestine poking through but no occlusion. "Stomach/Bowel: Stoma ch is within normal limits. Appendix is not clearly visualized and may be surgically absent. No evidence of bowel wall thickening, distention, or inflammatory changes. Other: Midline ventral hernia containing nonobstructed loops of small bowel. No abdominopelvic ascites."

Well, I had the CT scan (barium swallow) nc. and surprisingly, the results were posted on my portal the next day. The radioogist saw no evidence of any intestinal problems. I see my doctor Tuesday and will see what our next step is.... I also saw in my lab work that they did before the scan that my TSH is 7.0...oh joy, sounds like I have hypothyroidism. Probably from the immunotherapy. But at least there wasn't a tumor involved.

More research than ever in regards to targeted therapy seems to be happening...at warp speed!

https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/johnson-johnson-rybrevant-bispecific-antibody-pipeline/600696/?fbclid=IwAR1-INKB_HlAFqnl3uTG-bSirJoY3dpjYiuLhAPj2-gjDYdTOU-Y99kcsYc

Chloraseptic sore thrat spray helps numb my mouth pretty good so I can brush. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Chloraseptic-Sore-Throat-Spray-Cherry-Flavor-6-fl-oz/11047056?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222222000047861&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=10360330176&wl4=pla-1103070677413&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=11047056_0&wl14=Chloraseptic sore thrat spray&veh=sem&msclkid=7f93ac8daefa112fd891cc1aafe7531c&gclid=7f93ac8daefa112fd891cc1aafe7531c&gclsrc=3p.ds

I just read where Dr Andrew Weil, (my go to source for nutrition info) says that they have discovered that Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, have a compound that prevents cancer, that is so potent that it is being researched for use as a chemotherapy agent. He also believes that organic vegetables are especially beneficial for cancer patients not just because they lack chemical compounds that come from herbicides and pesticides, but these plants develop more intense phytonutrients to protect themselves from diseases, predators like birds and insects, and the sun. And these componds are beneficial to us. onsuming less red meats, and refined sugars etc are also important in this integrative medicine approach. Consuming the good nuts, and oils, and a good assortment of various colored fruits and vegetables is a key too.

How do you get your B6 and B12 vitamins? Salmon? I read that B6 in particular is a potent cancer fighter. I think from what I have read that refined sugar and carbs messes with the insulin production and insulin - like growth factors and that can effect cancer cell division and inflamation.