Lung cancer metastatic to liver - #28338

She needs proper treatment Rather than boosting her immunity right now it’s first priority to deal with her symptoms and work on her hb levels and overall body health

Need personal consultation.

It’s crucial at this stage to understand that while Ayurveda offers supportive care strategies, the situation you’re describing requires immediate medical attention, likely from a healthcare provider specializing in oncology or palliative care. The symptoms such as daily fever, significantly low haemoglobin, and severe fatigue indicate a complex condition that needs thorough evaluation and possibly allopathic intervention.

Ayurveda can still play a supportive role in helping to manage symptoms and support overall well-being. Addressing the root of digestion issues is key because agni (digestive fire) is central to overall health. Start with strengthening the agni by using simple, easily digestible foods. Congee (a rice soup) or khichdi made from moong daal and rice might be more digestible, seasoned with ginger and cumin to help stimulate digestion.

For low haemoglobin, include cooked leafy greens like spinach in her diet, if tolerated, as these can help address iron deficiencies naturally. Consider discussing iron supplements with a doctor, given Ayurveda’s limitations in addressing starkly low haemoglobin levels quickly.

Hydration is crucial; sips of warm water throughout the day may be more palatable. Digestive aids like trikatu (a blend of ginger, black pepper, long pepper) can stimulate digestion, but given her condition, professional advice is recommended to avoid complications.

Her immune system may benefit from general tonics like Ashwagandha or Guduchi, but these should be advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner given her complex condition, to ensure they don’t interfere with any ongoing treatment.

Rest is vital. Encourage relaxation periods and light activities, like deep breathing or gentle yoga, tailored to her abilities. These practices can reduce fatigue under supervision, ensuring her condition doesn’t worsen.

These suggestions should complement, not replace, mainstream medical treatment. It’s vital for her to have a medical review to assess the need for urgent care or interventions given her state. Prioritize her comfort and safety, consulting with her primary care practitioner about integrating Ayurvedic practices sensitively into her comprehensive care plan.

HELLO ANITA,

I’m. really sorry to here about your mother’s condition. I’ll share some general information that may help you understand the situation, but please keep in mind: this is not a substitute for direct medical advice. Given her fragile health (advanced cancer, severe weight loss, low hemoglobin, daily fever, poor digestion), she needs urgent medical care from her oncology and palliative care team.

KEY CONCERN

LOW HEMOGLOBIN (7%)= This is very low and can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. She may need a blood transfusion or treatment for anemia, depending on the cause

DAILY FEVER= Could indicate infection (very risky in cancer patents with weak immunity ), or timor-related fever. Needs medical evaluation

WEIGHT LOSS AND POOR DIGESTION= Suggests cancer cachexia (a weight syndrome common in advanced cancer). Normal food alone may not meet her needs

IMMUNITY SUPPORT= In this stage, the best way to boost immunity is not vitamins alone but treating anemia, infection and ensuring adequate calories and protein.

SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

1) NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT -Soft, high- calorie, high- protein foods in small amounts= e.g, soups with lentils, soft eggs, mashed potatoes with ghee, smoothies , yogurt, or nutritional supplements -If oral intake is very poor, doctor may consider nutritionalsupplements through tube feeling or IV nutrition

2) TREATING ANEMIA -needs assessment for blood transfusion or iron/erthropoietin depending on cause. This will help with fatigue and immunity

3) MANAGING FEVER -Must rule out infection -If infection is confirmed, prompt antibiotics are required

4) MEDICATIONS/PALLIATIVE CARE -palliative care can help with appetite stimulants , pain relief, and energy levels -Enzymes and antacids sometimes help digestion

5) IMMUNITY SUPPORT -Adequate sleep, hydration, hygiene, and avoiding infection exposure -vitamin D, zinc, and multivitamins may be used but only as supportive not curative

THIS IS MEDICAL EMERGENCY. please don’t wait for home remedies or supplements alone- she needs hospital evaluation

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

I understand you are concerned about your mother, who is 62 years old and has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer from the lung to the liver. She is experiencing significant fatigue, poor appetite, low weight (37 kg), low hemoglobin (7%), and daily fever. ​Here’s some information to help you understand her situation and potential strategies, but please be aware that this is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Her condition is complex and requires close supervision by her medical team. ​Understanding the Symptoms ​Cancer & Cachexia: The symptoms you describe are common in advanced cancer. This combination of weight loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue is known as cachexia. It is caused by the cancer’s effect on the body’s metabolism and is a major challenge in late-stage cancer care. ​Low Hemoglobin (Anemia): A hemoglobin level of 7% is quite low. Anemia in cancer patients can be due to: ​The cancer itself: Some cancers can directly cause anemia. ​Chemotherapy or radiation: Many treatments can suppress bone marrow function, where blood cells are made. ​Nutritional deficiencies: Poor appetite and digestion can lead to a lack of iron, vitamin B12, and folate, all of which are needed for blood production. ​Fever: Daily fever can indicate: ​Infection: Cancer patients, especially those on chemotherapy, have weakened immune systems and are susceptible to infections. ​The cancer itself: Some cancers, like lymphoma or kidney cancer, can cause a fever. ​Drug-induced fever: Some medications can cause fever as a side effect. ​Fatigue: This is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in cancer patients. It can be caused by the cancer, its treatment, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, pain, and sleep disturbances. ​Key Strategies to Discuss with Her Doctor ​Prioritize Nutrition: This is crucial for managing cachexia and fatigue. You should discuss with her medical team, a dietitian, or a nutritionist specializing in cancer care. ​High-Calorie, High-Protein Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense foods in small, frequent meals. ​Liquid Nutrition: If she can’t eat solid foods, consider liquid supplements like Ensure, Boost, or other similar medical nutrition drinks. ​Appetite Stimulants: Her doctor might consider prescribing medication to help increase her appetite. ​Managing Nausea and Vomiting: Ensure she has effective anti-nausea medication. ​Boosting Immunity: While “boosting immunity” in a cancer patient is not as simple as taking a supplement, you can focus on things that help her body function better. ​Manage Her Overall Health: This includes treating any underlying infections (with antibiotics, if needed), managing pain, and ensuring she is getting enough rest. ​Hydration: Dehydration can worsen fatigue and other symptoms. Encourage her to sip on water, clear broths, or sports drinks throughout the day. ​Avoid Raw Foods: To reduce the risk of infection, she should avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy. ​Address the Anemia: Her low hemoglobin is a significant contributor to her fatigue. ​Blood Transfusion: A hemoglobin level of 7% may warrant a blood transfusion. This can provide a rapid and dramatic improvement in her energy levels. ​Erythropoietin (EPO): Her doctor might consider prescribing an EPO-stimulating agent to help her body produce more red blood cells. ​Symptom Management: ​Pain Management: If she is in pain, it will affect her ability to eat and rest. Ensure her pain is well-controlled. ​Palliative Care: Consider consulting a palliative care specialist. They are experts in managing complex symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue, and other side effects of cancer and its treatment. ​Action Plan ​Contact her medical team immediately. Discuss all her symptoms, especially the daily fever, extreme fatigue, and low hemoglobin. ​Ask for a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist. This is a critical step to address her weight and poor appetite. ​Inquire about the possibility of a blood transfusion. ​Discuss the need for appetite stimulants and anti-nausea medications. ​Keep a log of her daily symptoms. Note her temperature, what she eats, and her energy levels. This information will be very helpful for her doctor. ​Her situation is very challenging, and it is important that she is in close communication with her medical team. They are the best resource to provide a comprehensive plan tailored to her specific needs and to address her symptoms in a safe and effective way.

For someone in such a vulnerable state, especially with cancer and symptoms like weakness and low hemoglobin, it is important to first prioritize immediate medical care. The low weight, persistent fever, and fatigue must be addressed urgently by a qualified healthcare provider, as these may indicate complications needing prompt treatment.

From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, enhancing immunity and supporting digestion would involve personalized strategies considering her specific dosha balance. A kapha imbalance might be contributing to the fatigue, while agni, the digestive fire, appears weakened.

To gently support her system: 1. Dietary Adjustments: Focus on easily digestible, warm, and nourishing foods. Thin rice porridge, moong dal soup, or barley water can be beneficial. Include spices like small amounts of cumin and coriander to support digestion, but avoid heavy, oily foods that can burden her system.

2. Herbal Remedies: Chyawanprash, a popular herbal tonic, can be taken in small quantities to help strengthen her overall vitality. However, its use must be cautious due to her weight and other symptoms. Discuss this with her healthcare provider.

3. Herbal Decoctions: An Ayurvedic preparation called Jeerakarishtam may help improve digestion and nourish dhatus. Again, ensure you consult with her doctor before adding herbal supplements.

4. Hydration and Fever Management: Tulsi tea can be soothing and may assist in managing fever. Ensure she’s well-hydrated, but avoid excessive cold liquids.

Unity with regular allopathic care is crucial. Ensure there’s no conflict between treatments, and consults happen with her primary care team for integrated wellbeing support. Her healthcare provider can help monitor changes and guide adjustments as needed.