Has anyone found that they catch cold after cold once treatment has ended?

[SaraL]

I have had four long colds since September. Is this a usual after-effect of being on a regime of chemo? Or is it simply the mild winter allowing bugs to flourish this year?

[Hidden]

Hi,

It is a sign that your immune system is in a poor state, and that is going to be the case after chemotherapy. I can recommend 'tranfer factor' which is the strongest immune system support you can buy (I went through 2 ops and 6 mths chemo and its aftermath, with not so much as a sniffle on it!). That is fairly expensive, although worth it. Other boosters are echinacea and a series of other herbals.

Also, diet and exercise and sleep support your immune system, so look after yourself well.

Very best wishes,

Isadora.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Isadora

I just wanted to let you know how helpful and encouraging I am finding you posts. I have now bought the Anti-Cancer book and understand why an American friend sent me a huge parcel of green tea for Christmas. I have just come to the end of my six doses of chemo and see it as time for me to take positive action to keep myself well. Tomorrow we collect a new puppy to give me something else to focus on and the incentive to go to the park every day.

Thank you again and keep well,

AnnieB

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

What a kind message, Annie, thank you!

I am v envious if your new pup - we got one (our third dog) 6mths after I finished chemo. Dogs are the best therapy for those of us who love them. Ours is now 2 yrs old, and the whole 'pack' is well and happy.

You keep well, too!

I.

[MargaretJ]

Hi Sara! I have always taken slow release vit C to help ward off colds. When in hospital or on chemo I am told to stop all non prescribed supplements, result colds and return of arthritis pain. This time i caught a cold as soon as I came out of hospital so I restarted vit C at double the dose along with garlic and evening primrose and the cold beat a hasty retreat.

I do recommend vit C.

[Hidden]

I agree with all these suggestions. Diet and exercise are important and whatever supplement makes you feel better. I take Barocca when I feel like a fizzy pick-me-up, and I also make up fruit and veg drinks with my juicer. I've recently finished my first line of chemotherapy and have decided to go skiing as a bit of winter sun and fresh mountain air is the best tonic for me.

[SaraL]

Thanks for your replies, everyone. I've also spoken with a pharmacist friend of mine who says that the immune system was destroyed by the chemo (I had neutropenia). It takes children 12 to 15 years to develop the immune system, and I guess I am starting from scratch again. So I need to have the colds so that my body can remember them for future reference in order to fight them. My friend recommends I have the flu jab each year to help build my immunity. I hope this is helpful for you all, too! I wish the GPs would give this type of information to help us rebuild our strength. There should be a post-chemo package or brochure. Perhaps there is one...? Sara x