alcohol

[honiton]

hi everyone,does anyone know the rules around alcohol its my birthday next week but having a family party sunday and really fancy a malibu and lemonade,my next chemo is thursday will it affect it

[Hidden]

As far as i,m aware there are no restrictions, some people choose not to drink mainly because they dont fancy it if feeling unwell but if your feeling great then fill your boots (thats my view) xx

[honiton in reply to Hidden]

thanku,tried ringing macmillain but no one answered prob every busy.

[Hidden in reply to honiton]

Try ovacome and Ruth. Xx

[Hidden]

Try ringing the ovacome helpline but you need to ring them quick as they are only there office hours tel [phone] or 0207 299 6650

Best wishes love x G x

[Whippit]

It's a question I asked of my oncologist at the Royal Marsden as some members are convinced they should not drink alcohol whilst on chemotherapy. I asked because my bloods and liver function were deranged and I was worried having a drink had affected them. Her advice was to continue normal consumption if I wished. It would do no harm. Paul's advice seems to me to be spot-on.

Enjoy your birthday to the full - and many happy returns.

Love Annie xx

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

Hi Annie. Have your levels returned to normal now? I was wondering if these things are monitored as my oncologist said that post chemo, my liver levels were up and she said that chemo can do that. So I got the impression that sometimes, the liver isn't affected. Love T xx

[Whippit in reply to Hidden]

Hi Tina, in my hospital the blood samples taken each time measure liver function as well as possible infections, blood levels, CA125, etc. They haven't mentioned liver function since it began to stabilise after about 4 sessions of chemotherapy. I was told my liver dysfunction was caused by the strong concoction of chemo plus Avastin and they expected it to return to normal of its own accord. The blood samples also showed I had a recurrent infection called Epstein Bar Virus which they also monitored. I think our blood samples are analysed for a lot more than we are told!

Having said that they did a liver scan just to check everything was OK with that just to be sure. I get the feeling they've very thorough in my hospital. xx love Annie

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

Brilliant Annie... Epstein Bar .. I've never heard of that.... (I sense a Google coming on! ) Glad you know how you're doing... xxx

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Hidden]

It's often linked to glandular fever - 'the kissing disease'

[citrine]

When I was having chemo, I was given a detailed booklet which included the most welcome sentence - "It is usually fine to drink alcohol."

So unless you've been instructed otherwise, go ahead and enjoy.

Interestingly, the head nurse in Cancer Services at my hospital told me that alcohol can be taken with almost all medication. I've noticed that the warning to avoid it has stopped appearing on my antibiotics sticker.

Love Mary xx

[Hidden]

I'm on pain patches. I think if I did drink alcohol, I'd get very drunk. Apart from a little alcohol in cooking a few times (which is burnt off?) I haven't drunk for almost 8 months. I wonder if anyone has other ideas about alcohol and patches? Love T xx

[MargaretJ]

I go off wine and coffee when on chemo because of changes to my taste buds but was told that a glass would do me no harm!

Margaret

[HumbleD]

Everything in moderation, I cannot believe it would do any harm and a very Happy Birthday for next week love Wendy x

[amaryr]

I agree with the answers above. Was told that, in moderation, a glass of what you fancy now and then would do no harm.

My oncologist explained that the only 'problem' was that alcohol might put the liver under a bit of additional stress, and in my case the enzymes were out of kilter so simply to be careful how much I drank.

Like others I don't really want much anyway because of the change in taste and the fact that one small glass seems to have as much affect as several now!

For what it's worth, the oncologist offered the opinion that a small single malt whiskey (which I love) before bedtime would probably be preferable to sleeping pills for the nights when sleep is a problem.

I hope you have a lovely birthday celebration and enjoy your Malibu! Alex XXXX

[Whippit in reply to amaryr]

The Anti-Cancer Diet also lists malt whisky as being a good drink. I don't need any extra prompting. mmmm

[amaryr in reply to Whippit]

YAY -bottoms up! Hic! XXXX

[MarieH23]

Have a wonderful birthday m x

[sharonc59]

Hi..I was due to have my 2nd cycle of chemo on my 50th birthday & was going for a meal with my workmates the night before. I rang the hospital & asked them if I was ok to have a couple of drinks & they said as long as I wasn't still drunk when I arrived at hospital I would be fine! I don't think a couple of malibu's will affect your chemo..go enjoy!! & good luck xx

[ladygooner-uk]

Hi, in a macmillan recipe book I was given it advised the wine to go with the recipes........have a good time!

Sue

[TrishLey]

I've had plenty if wine during the last 3 years on and off chemo. In moderation I think it's fine . I asked and was told 'As long as it's good wine ! ' LOL

[honiton]

thanku everyone iam going to take your advice,will think of u all as i toast my birthday as well as us oc fighters love yvonne x

[TornacLiz]

I think you should have a drink and celebrate your birthday without worrying! Enjoy x

[SueSchultz]

I specifically asked my oncogist that question when I was going to a wedding. There was a medication I was on and he recommended skipping a dose for that one evening. I recommend calling your office or medical center and ask. They'll be best able to answer knowing your own personal situation

[naomi88]

Alcohol can upset the gut flora fine balance of good bacteria keeping bad bacteria and candida in check. A consequence of having it at any time run the risk of having the candida reign supreme and that is detrimental in view of the fact that DNA damaged genes cells interact with candida or other funguses and form growth(tumour).

The liver have to work over time to clear the alcohol on top of other agents from Chemo, so why on earth one will give it extra burden in time of stress. Hope this helps if you can have joy from other sources than alcohol.

I wouldn't have any alcohol.

[Chez]

I just love some of these replies! I'm off to crack open a bottle and cook beef Bourguinon! LOL.