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Chemo affects my liver

nicholawithanH
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Hi

I'm in the middle of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Twice now it has been delayed because of elevated liver enzyme levels. It's been five weeks since my last chemo. They are hoping to start again next week and - as I understand it - they will give me a lower dose once a week for six weeks. The original plan was that I would get docetaxel once every three weeks. 

My question is - is there anything I can do to try and keep my liver enzymes from getting too high? Is there something I should be eating/ drinking? (I try and eat quite healthily and I haven't had any alcohol since starting chemo). Should I be resting more? Should I be exercising more? 

Any advice greatly received. 

Thanks

Nichola

  •  Hi nicholawithamH

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community.

    My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.  

    I’m sorry to hear that your chemotherapy has been delayed twice due to elevated liver enzymes. Changes to your chemotherapy plan must be concerning for you, but they are not uncommon. You say that you are in the middle of docetaxel chemotherapy for breast cancer. An occasional side effect of this chemotherapy can be changes to the liver, they don’t usually cause symptoms, but are picked up on blood tests, such as liver enzymes. It is not uncommon in these instances or with other common side effects for your medical team to adjust the dose and/or frequency of the chemotherapy.  

    Your medical team will continue to monitor your blood results once you are having the lowered dose and weekly docetaxel.

    This information may be helpful in relation to your question about eating well and keeping active. You may want to speak to your medical team or breast care nurse about anything else you can do in relation to your specific health, as we don’t have access to your medical records and therefore can only provide general information.

    I can see that you’ve joined the Breast cancer forum on the Macmillan Online Community. I hope you are finding this welcoming  and supportive.

    Breast Cancer Now also have a support line where you can speak directly to a breast care nurse, and they also have a range of information and resources that you may find helpful.

    Best wishes for the rest of your treatment. 

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

    Take Care,

    Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/KHe/VG

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