11. Complementary Care
Disclaimer: These work for me but it may not be for everyone. Always listen to what your doctors say and listen to your body.
While undergoing chemo, I also sought other complementary care to help boost my immune system. My objectives were: (1) Ensuring that I don’t fall sick while I was on chemo; and (2) Making sure that my body remains strong enough to withstand each chemo cycle. These do not replace chemo meds or treatment.
Outcome: I still had to take a shot to increase my white blood cell count, but only after the 4th cycle. I didn’t fall sick at all during the 6 months on chemo. (Note - I also masked in public transport and avoid very crowded areas in the weeks that my body was weaker.)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
After my first chemo cycle, I started researching about TCM and how it can help in chemo. I realised that Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has a TCM clinic, staffed by experienced physicians trained in China’s top universities. That’s how I found my TCM physician.
He specializes in gastro-intestinal cancers and I was comfortable in the initial consultation, where he emphasized that TCM will only focused on boosting my immune system.
Hands with Love Longevity Association
Someone introduced me to the science of Longevitology (长生学) after my first chemo session. It was interesting to me so I ventured down to one of their caring centres one evening.
I felt comfortable and ended up going every week. You can read more about them here.
Note - they are a 100% voluntary association and does not involved any selling of anything.
Watermelons :D
This has ZERO scientific reason. ZERO but it works! LOL!
My TCM physician said that a little watermelon juice a few days before and after the chemo session makes some of his patients tolerate chemo better.
So I started taking watermelons 3-4 days before each chemo session. I skipped it for cycle 6 (stupid stupid stupid!!!) and it was one of the more challenging cycles.
Watermelons work!!!!! I diligently took it for 5 out of 8 cycles. :)