Cancer

At Boost IV, Cancer is part of what we specialise in.

We see cancer as nothing more than part of the human body, a cluster of cells that require more attention to heal.  Our focus is on supporting patients and their healing. 

 

We offer guidance on finding the best way forward with diet, nutrition, exercise, and vitamin-based support.   We have a dedicated and well-educated team who can help with all of the little things you may not know to help your journey seem a little less daunting, and answer some of the questions that having Cancer brings.  Please feel free to reach out or go through our website for some helpful insights. 

 

Our small and friendly group of patients also engage and discuss with each other everything about their own journeys forming a group that is both warm and welcoming. 

 

CANCER -  Feeling Confused? Just take a breath

At Boost IV, we are here to make your Cancer Journey less confusing.  It will be full of ups and downs but we will be here to help guide you through.

Helpful Info

Cancer Surgery - If you are faced with surgery, what you need to ask first.

Cancer surgery can be a component of cancer treatment for many patients. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, potential risks, and the recovery process. By asking your surgeon and medical providers important questions before and after your cancer surgery, you can ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions and improve outcomes. It is crucial to feel confident that all your questions are addressed before undergoing surgery if possible.

Comfort after surgery - Support from BCFNZ

The Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (BCFNZ) provides a small range of products that support comfort following surgery. If you or someone you know has breast cancer surgery planned, contact their nurses about wonderful heart-shaped pillows, drain bags, and seatbelt covers.

 

The also offer support services such as post op physiotherapy & counselling.

 

 

Call: 0800 BC NURSE  / 0800 2268773

Email: breastnurse@bcf.org.nz

LYMPHEDEMA – What is this and how can I manage it?

Lymphedema is swelling in the limbs from fluid in the body not draining properly, causing a build-up of lymph fluid. Some cancer surgeries run the risk of the patient getting lymphedema after the surgery due to lymph nodes being removed or damaged. After your surgery, it is important to ask your surgeon or your oncologist if compression stockings for the first 6 weeks may be appropriate to help with any swelling that may occur while your body heals. Seek medical advice if you are travelling overseas within 3 months after your surgery as travel on a plane may aggravate lymphedema symptoms, causing some swelling or pain to occur.

Diet & exercise during cancer treatment

Even though having Cancer may make you may feel too weak, or too fatigued to try to exercise, it is an important part of your healing journey. Having a well-balanced and nutritional diet is also extremely important when you have cancer and when you are undergoing surgery or chemo.

Our Nutritionist and protocols may be able to offer some support .

Anemia & Cancer

Anemia (lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells) can be a complex issue, and it is wise to have the help of your doctor to investigate the root cause of the issue. There are many factors that contribute to anemia in cancer patients such as the type and extent of malignancy, treatments (conventional, how frequent, type), patient age, other medical issues and other medications. And, as is the case with many factors, timing, previous labs readings, rapidity of onset and other blood lab indicators are important.

What are cancer feeding pathways?

Every cancer will have an individual set of cancer feeding pathways, these pathways are the fuel that the cancer requires to grow and multiply. How do you shut down some of these pathways? Medications, chemo, diet, stress, and supplements all play an important part of healing our bodies from illness.

Your Cancer is as individual as you are. At BoostIV we specialise in Cancer Pathway protocols, if you are ready to explore these protocals, give us a call or hit the Book Now button to see one of our Integrative Health Specialists.

Cancer Feeding Pathways – Fatty acids, Glucose, Glutamine

Glucose:
· Glut-1 – Atorvastatin and Quercetin

· Insulin – Low GI Diet, Berberine, Chromium Picolinate

· PP Pathway- DHEA (Not for hormone sensitive cancers), D mannose
· OXPHOS- Berberine, Doxycycline, Metformin, Niclosamide
· Aerobic Glycolysis- IV Vit C infusions or 5000/6000mg Vit C Liposomal Ascorbate. Chrysin, 2DG (purchase from yourhealthbasket in UK), DCA.


Fatty Acids Pathways:
· SREBP-1- Berberine, Reishi
· Acetate – Berberine
· ACLY- Hydroxycitrate
· FAS- Metformin, Aspirin, EGCG and Curcumin.
· F.A.O. Doxycycline, Melatonin
· SREBP-2 Dipyridamole, Omega 3 DHA, Luteolin
· Mevolonate- Atorvastatin, Omega 3 DHA, Citrus Bergamot


Glutamine (protein) Pathways:
· Glutaminolysis- EGCG, Ursolic Acid, Resveratrol, Curcumin
· Nucleoside Salvage – (Autophagy) Dipyridamole, Danshen
· Macropinocytosis- Hydroxychloroquine, Loratadine
·  mTOR – Metformin, Berberine, ECGC
·  Gln OXPHOS – Berberine, Doxycycline, Metformin, Niclosamide.
·  IGF-1- Metformin, Tamoxifen, Lycopene and EGCG

Neuropathy - what is this and how do I manage it?

Neuropathy is sometimes loss of sensation or pain, burning in the fingers or toes. This is caused by some chemotherapy and other drugs used to treat cancer. The nerves become damaged, this is called chemo-induced neuropathy. It can be a disabling part of cancer treatment for some patients.

We may be able to offer some solutions to help minimise the side effects and help ease the pain of neuropathy. Please contact us to find out more about options to support you.

Cold Caps - Book for your first session of chemo via your oncologist.

Cold Caps are a device you use on your head / hair to reduce the loss of hair caused by some types of chemo drugs. Your hair will start to fall 2 – 4 weeks after your first chemotherapy session, so you must use the Cold Cap from the beginning of your shemo sessions to help reduce the damage.

Chemotherapy damages the hair follicles which caused the hair to fall out, this can be in clumps or may be the hair becomes extremely thin. Speak with your Oncologist or your Oncology nurse at your medical centre about whether booking a Cold Cap is appropriate for you. You may be able to purchase a cold cap online to use during chemo.

Helpful Articles

Read more articles in the blog section of our website, including Techniques for Stress Reduction in Cancer Patients, and natural foods and herbs that may have cancer fighting properties to help along side traditional treatment methods.
Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. The information including text, graphics, and images, are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.