Immune system: We got different thoughts from different people about whether and when to support Val’s immune system. The Western doctors point out that chemo works in part by devouring the immune system, so that supporting the immune system during chemo essentially works against the medicine. Eastern-style medical practitioners often recommended supporting the immune system to strengthen Val’s body in its fight against cancer. Val tended to compromise by following the strictures of the oncology team about when she could or could not take supplements (not for two days before or after chemo) but supporting her body with supplements part of the time and good nutrition all of the time.
Nutrition: Here are some suggestions we received about good nutrition during the cancer experience: