Immunity Boosters

@kmakm  ...... Oh dear, I hope it ISN'T caused by Letrozole, Kate!   I just have a good 'swig' most mornings ... hold your nose if you're not too fussed on the taste!  LOL

I had cholesterol and bone density done before starting the tablets - cholesterol was a tad high and the bone density 'looks ok' but haven't seen the report yet.

I had to give up my Curcumin/Tumeric whilst on Rads - and for some reason, it doesn't seem to have 'kicked in' as well since starting it again! I'd been on it for years prior to that & am sure it had reduced my pain.  :( 

Hmmm, @Romla  ..... I don't mind porridge at all .... may give that a go - god knows it is cold & miserable enough up here just now!  :(  Wet Wet Wet

It’s not an immunity booster in the strict sense other than being a relaxant and encouraging sleep. Celestial Seasonings “Sleepytime tea” available in supermarkets is great. Growing up with Italian neighbors I learnt early about camomile for anxiety and insomnia but never liked the taste until this product came out. Worth a shot those having trouble sleeping.

@kmkam the wonderful @primek gave me this amazing site and would urge you to explore it. I have found it endlessly useful and worthwhile.Like you I am a natural supplements fan but not all are safe for everyone in all circumstances. It originates from a Cancer hospital in NYC which amongst other things thoroughly researches natural supplements and here is their web address

www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/herbal-remedies-and-treatment ;

It is not only about herbs but includes vitamins and minerals nor is it only about their impact on cancer.This site is recommended by BCNA.

But please also check things out with your oncologist/GP if in doubt.

@Romla Was just discussing it the other day with Pharmacist Tom! He was telling me about a form which is more easily absorbed. I'm going to work my way through the various supplements and observe their effect. Then I'll try combos. I'm going to start with magnesium, and then curcumin.

@kmakm baselines for cholesterol and bone density are wise. Also the latest natural fixative is Curcumin an extract of turmeric said to have multiple benefits but not recommended whilst on chemo as conflicts with meds.  Supposed to be ,amongst other things ,anti- inflammatory so might help with joint pain eg your ankle

@Romla I love bruschetta, it's been ages since I made it. Thank you for the reminder  :)

Hey @kmakm a very tasty way to increase garlic is bruschetta .Chop tomato , basil and purple onion add a bit olive oil and cracked black pepper.Toast some thin Italian bread, Peel a clove of garlic and rub over hot toast -and pile tomato mix on top. Garlic dries the nose , thins the blood and I believe keeps colds at bay.

@arpie If the ankle pain that woke me up three times last night is the Letrozole, then I'll be giving the apple cider vinegar a crack. I might anyway. How much do you take?

@Romla I don't know if my GP tested my cholesterol in my blood test before the op. I'll check, and get it done if she didn't. I'd like a baseline.

I have rolled oats in my cereal (mixed with All Bran and a few low sugar dried cranberries) every other day. If my cholesterol goes up I'll make it daily.

Just a plug for rolled oats - if you are on an Aromatase Inhibitor and your cholesterol goes up - strange as it sounds rolled oats as porridge for breakfast is known to lower cholesterol .But always check with your doctor whether a statin is required too.