I am starting my radiation treatments today for breast cancer (have already done the chemo.) Do any of you have advice on herbal skin/cream or teas, etc. that can help my skin and body heal better? The Dr. reccommends an excellent cream containing pure lanolin. Is there anything I can add to this to boost its healing properties?

I am concerned too about my lymphatic drainage, which has already been compromised by similar treatment on the other side. Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance for your input.

Lenvt

Also, you might consider taking astragalus internally to help boost your immune system while undergoing the radiation therapy. Check with your doctor first, but it is reputed to reduce the effects of radiation therapy, and keep up your strength. A friend of mine underwent similar treatment, took a combination of astragalus and violet leaves for a few weeks before, during and after, and was able to continue working almost full-time throughout. Six years later, she is cancer-free. I hope it turns out just as well for you.

I hope the treatment goes well.

A very good supplement to aid the bodies recovery from radiation treatment is Milk Thistle. Research has been carried out on this in several countries for medical use, and in some european countries doctors are now reccomending it. Milk thistle is completely harmless, and extremly well tolerated by all.

Dont forget that vitamin C is also a very important supplement to take after radiation exposure such as chemo.

As with any herbal supplement taken during illness, do some research of your own, and also have a chat with your specialist.

Once again I wish you luck with your treatment, and best of health for the future.

Here's another overview, which talks about the kinds of irritations and skin reactions seen in some patients receiving therapeutic radiation.

You've gotten good advice to check out any alternative treatment with your oncologist before using it, as some herbal meds could cause problems of their own or interact with other drugs. An active ingredient in milk thistle, for example, has been found to impair the liver's ability to process certain drugs, which could make them more toxic.

Duckworth, I read your response the day you posted it and realized that I have a huge aloe plant in my house! I have been mixing the juice with the lanolin cream and I have had no adverse reactions to it. Thank you for posting! So far my skin a bit is tanned, but not crisp. (My doctor hates it when I use words like "crispy" or "fried." I wonder why? :)

Eric OH, thank you for the website link. I have found it very informative and have passed it on to the social worker who generates a page of helpful links for new paitents. This one was not listed. Perhaps you've helped more than one person with your post.

Again,

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

Lenvt

Distilled Water, Apricot Oil, Sweet
Almond Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera Extract, Lanolin, Beeswax, Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Herbs of Chamomile, Calendula, Comfrey, Lavender, Borage, St. John’s Wort, Organic Essential Oils of Lavender and Chamomile. Vitamin E sparingly used.

HerbDoctor

Joe

You're a funny dude.

HerbDoctor

Joe

This sounds like the typical disclaimer that promoters of alt cures use. "Sorry our treatment didn't work, but you didn't do everything exactly the right way/you tried mainstream therapy first and it wrecked your immune system so our supplements couldn't help/you didn't have a positive enough outlook/etc.etc."

Bottom line...it's the patient's fault.

Please, stop.

HerbDoctor

There are many people who believe in various types of health protocols and, like you, become very passionate about it. But here's the mistake for instance: The way you post I can tell you're an excess type of person. In other words, in Chinese terms, you're a hot type. The cooling raw fruits and veggies cool your insides and make you feel better. But many people are deficient types whereby they need warming energy foods. A raw diet could actually make them worse. See, everybody is an individual and we all have different needs biophysically. That's why I ask you to put the breaks on just a bit, though I wouldn't want to kill your enthusiasm and spirit.
Take care.

HerbDoctor

I hear what you are trying to get across... You would be "hot" to if someone is trying to make this man look like a snake oil quack, when it is the exact opposite.. you truly knows it works, you tried it for yourself, family, friends,etc.. Perhaps, I am the one doing the "pushing" making him look almost to good to be true.. We could all agree to disagree... For instance, I'm shaking my head " raw foods can make a person worse"... Everyone has a different mind, body, and spirit. But are Anatomy is all the same, I'm sure someone is going to post a "legit medical study" with a freak accident.. I never cane across someone who does not benefit from a raw food. Trust your intuition, let your beliefs and emotions out if the equation.
Take it easy

Joe

My prayers are with you, I know you posted back in 05'. How are you doing today? Did the radiation help? I would appreciate a reply. Best of luck.

God bless,

Joe

Actually, in order to understand what I'm trying to get across it would be good if you understood the principles of the Vital Substances in classic Chinese Herbology. I can see you're very enthusiastic about a raw diet, but as I said before, an over-indulgence in raw foods ISN'T good for everyone.

I'm glad it works for you. It's good for your particular make-up. Just don't expect everyone to jump on the band wagon with you. Many people who listen to their bodies won't want all their foods to be raw.

Be safe.

HerbDoctor

Health be with you,

Joe

HerbDoctor

Sure can, call me whatever you like my friend. Just know that my intentions are good, and my advice is soley for the health of the people.

Raw Joe