How Brad avoided chemo side effects

How Brad Avoided Chemo Side-Effects

 

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page shares our personal experience and what we learned through caregiving, observation, and research. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncology team before making changes to treatment, diet, or lifestyle during chemotherapy.

Positioning During Infusions

The photo above is important to us because it reminds me of one of the first things we learned. An oncology nurse friend told us that keeping the lowest points of the body as the posterior and elbows — rather than hands and feet — might help reduce tingling or nerve discomfort during certain chemotherapy drugs that contain heavy metals like platinum.

We later read that some chemotherapy agents can affect the nerve endings of the lowest parts of the body. During Brad’s first treatment, by pure chance, we had his feet propped up while playing cards and I was rubbing his feet. We didn’t know it at the time, but that was the position the nurse friend later recommended.

Practical Set-Up in the Infusion Room

We rarely had a bed for infusions. When Brad was in a recliner, we asked for:

• One pillow under his hands

• Two pillows (or a pillow and a blanket) to elevate his legs

This positioning seemed to help him feel more comfortable, and our nurse friend said it could also support better blood flow — something she believed might help with hair preservation.

Cold Sensitivity

The only consistent side effect Brad experienced from the platinum-based drug was cold sensitivity — for example, when reaching into the fridge or freezer. In winter, we kept him well covered with a hat (with a built-in mask), scarf, and gloves.

Living and working in downtown Chicago helped, since he could walk through connected buildings and avoid long exposure to the cold. At one point, he had slight tingling in his fingers, so we increased his fluid intake, and it went away.

Hydration and Flushing

We were told by multiple people — including a doctor — that flushing the system was essential after chemo. Brad aimed for plenty of fluids each day, often a mix of water and green drinks. Our personal target was around eight 12-ounce servings daily, though everyone’s needs will differ.

Supportive Practices We Used

• Coffee enemas — Something we learned about for stimulating the liver; part of our own routine for toxin support.

• Black cumin seed oil (Nigella oil) — Something we read about for its potential to support the liver and help the body process nutrients.

• Curcumin with oil — Because curcumin is fat-soluble, we placed curcumin powder in a shot glass with olive oil for Brad to take daily. We read multiple studies about its possible immune and antioxidant properties, and I also used it often in cooking.

• Lymphocyte support — We learned that healthy lymphocytes are important for blood flow and toxin removal via the kidneys, so we always looked for ways to support overall immune health.

Final Thoughts

These steps were part of our caregiving rhythm. While they worked for us, every patient’s needs and responses are unique. What felt right for Brad might not be right for someone else, which is why checking with your oncology team is so important.