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Post-chemotherapy recovery
I am in the process of trying to return to normal health following a six month course of chemotherapy treatment. Can you please tell me what steps I can take to get better?
Dr Rosy Daniel, former medical director of the Bristol Cancer Centre, says it is important that you do not see getting over the chemotherapy treatment as the end of the road but as the start of a commitment to build a new type of health and address the underlying problems, such as a weakened immune system, which resulted in a diagnosis of cancer.
She says, first you need to regain your energy and then find a way to maintain it. Your supplementation programme should include 2g of vitamin C taken three times a day; 15mg betacarotene taken once a day; 50mg of B-complex taken daily; 200mcg of the antioxidant selenium and 100mcg of zinc orotate. In addition, take a good quality multivitamin.
The Centre favours spiritual healing for boosting the morale of cancer sufferers and boosting energy levels. To find a practitioner in your area contact The National Federation of Spiritual Healers. (01932-783164).
You need to clean up your diet by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure at least half of your intake of these is in the form of salads, (eating raw fruits and vegetables will provide the live enzymes that will boost your energy levels). Eat less animal products and make sure you get enough rest. If you can afford a treatment, both acupuncture and shiatsu will also bolster energy levels.
Chemotherapy affects all the rapidly-dividing tissues in the body (the hair, the nails and the linings of the lungs, gut and blood tissues) which in turn, will lower your immunity and reduce white cell function. The important thing is not to push yourself but gradually build your strength. When you feel ready, Danile recommends taking up some gentle form of re-balancing exercise such as yoga or tai chi.
*The Bristol Cancer Centre publishes an introductory pack which includes a book called An Holistic Approach To Health (£15) and a video (£25 for the book and the video). The helpline number os 0117-9809500.