St Johns Wort advice

Hi, I have heard that it can affect liver function. Just thought I should pass that on and send my best wishes too. regards Court

Hi Ian - sorry to tell you that St Johns Wort is so powerful it is not recommended to be used with chemo - infact it can be very dangerous. There is safer medication which your Gp/Oncologist can prescribe but if you have a Macmillan Nurse I would speak to him/her for further advice or ring the cancer information nurses here on the website (which is free). You are very sensible to check first before starting on something.

We all know how you feel - facing a long period of chemo isnt fun - I have had 5 different chemo regeimes now so I do know where you are comming from. You are going to have to take one cycle at a time.

All I can say is the first part of geting better is admitting that you need some help - I hope  you can see fit to seek expert advice.

I have a different cancer to you but my Dad had NHL almost 3 years ago now and he had Rituximub and he has been in remission ever since - the half way scan showed no change but by the end it had all gone. Retiximub is such a clever drug - it helps the body recognise that the cancer is there so your own immune system attacks the cancer. I dont doubt it will work for you too.

Spring is comming, the nights are geting shorter! The dark nights are ending. I hope that by sticking with us through your treatment you can get through it in one piece, I am sending your some virtual strength and hugs from someone who has been on and off treatment for over 2 years. Best wishes, Jools xx

jools is right... and you should always check with your doc before you try any herbal  remedies, or really anything not perscribed, while you are having treatment ...

good luck

liz xxxx

Don't take St John's Wort. It affects the breakdown of some drugs in the liver including some anti-cancer drugs so could potentially be dangerous.

See your oncologist or your GP if you are having problems.

All the best.

Well thanks everyone for the advice. I've to go for my first maintenance treatment on Friday so I had planned to speak to oncologist. Think i'm just a bit down as I've been off work since late July 2009, finished my last chemo session on Hogmany, starting back to work a week on Monday and thought I was going to get a break from the treatment only to find out they're starting it again. Its not the worst though as its only 1 treatment every 3 months because its maintenance therapy.