Author Topic: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives  (Read 5651 times)

SP

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Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« on: July 19, 2015, 08:17:23 am »
Looking for some alternatives to steroids for post radiation use, primarily to fend off swelling and promote overall healing. Has anyone got any tips here?

I recently read this study from Germany used the herbal extract of Boswellia serrata (one of the ancient and most valued herbs in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine))... It concluded that Boswellia significantly reduced cerebral edema post radiation therapy, very interesting read as they compared it to dexamethasone... Link below...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21287538

Boswellia serrata acts on cerebral edema in patients irradiated for brain tumors: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial. Cancer. 2011 Aug 15;117(16):3788-95. doi: 10.1002/cncr.25945. Epub 2011 Feb 1.
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PaulW

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2015, 08:03:29 am »
Nice find SP
Not all neurosurgeons use steroids for ANs.
I believe edema mentioned in this study should not be confused with transient enlargement of acoustic neuromas. I believe edema of the brain happens with larger tumours and higher doses of radiation. I believe it's a reaction of the brain itself to the radiation.
10x5x5mm AN
Sudden Partial hearing loss 5/28/10
Diagnosed 7/4/10
CK 7/27/10
2/21/11 Swelling 13x6x7mm
10/16/11 Hearing returned, balance improved. Feel totally back to normal most days
3/1/12 Sudden Hearing loss, steroids, hearing back.
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SP

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2015, 03:01:17 am »
Thanks Paul! Great point, yes the radiation in this study was done on the whole brain so edema of the brain was measured here.
I guess I'm assuming that also "the transient enlargement of acoustic neuromas" - may be likely attributed to some form of inflammation. In my case I'm looking at post CK supplements to reduce inflammation as a preventative measure. I found a complex now that combines Boswellia , Curcumin, Celery & Ginger that may assist - no major side effects to these that i have managed to find...

« Last Edit: July 29, 2015, 03:04:57 am by SP »
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3.2x3.0x2.5cm AN; CK Aug 2015

ppearl214

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2015, 04:49:51 am »
Hi SP and welcome.

I had CK over 9 years ago.  Edema of the tumor can occur after any radiation treatment.  The goal in prescribing any form of anti-inflammatory post radiation to help prevent the tumor from swelling too much.  I was prescribed short term course of steriods after my radiation to prevent the tumor from swelling on my hearing/balance nerve, thus, potentially causing the tumor from pressing too much and blowing out my hearing.

For me, after speaking to my dad who was a pharmacist, I weighed out risks versus benefits. For the short term use that I was prescribed, the benefits outweighed the risks. 

Bottom line, it's personal preference and yet, the treating teams have experience under their belts to know what may or may not work.  OTC anti-inflammatories may be worth checking as well.

I hope this helps... and again, welcome.
Phyl
"Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness", Capt Jack Sparrow - Davy Jones Locker, "Pirates of the Carribbean - At World's End"

SP

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2015, 05:11:41 am »
Thanks kindly Phyl ! Yes of course my plan is if they are needed then I'll be taking them. Given the almost absence of side effects from these herbs I figure they are worth a preventative try :)
My AN Story – Sydney to Stanford CK
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2.9 x 2.9  May 2020@5yrs
2.9 cm  Mar 2019@4yrs
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3.1 cm  Aug 2017@2yrs
3.2 cm  Aug 2016@1yr
3.2x3.0x2.5cm AN; CK Aug 2015

sunny

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2015, 05:51:15 pm »
Hi SP,

I was looking into the same kind of thing and found some posts on this forum by "Tumbleweed" that mentioned NSI brand "FlavenZym," plus some suggestions of dry powdered herbs. You might do a search and find the details...?

Good luck to you in your recovery,
sunny
Right side A.N.  (11 x 9 x 5)
Symptoms -- 2/18/15 sudden partial hearing loss and constant tinnitus
Diagnosed -- 4/24/15 by my ENT with MRI
Treatment -- 6/17/15 first of three CK treatments @ Stanford with Drs. Chang and Hancock
Treatment Completed! -- 6/19/19

SP

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Re: Post Radiation Herbal Alternatives
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2015, 12:29:56 am »
Hi Sunny,

Thanks for the tip! I have been reading through all things herbal on this forum and yes Tumbleweed has been a wealth of knowledge.  I have already started using an enzyme supplement called Vitalzym, and looking to add Curcumin and Boswellia herbs to the regime too. I have also been told by my Naturopath that Astralagus is another herb recommended post radiation also. Hope you are doing very well feeling well too.
My AN Story – Sydney to Stanford CK
2.3 x 2.2  June 2022@7yrs
2.9 x 2.9  May 2020@5yrs
2.9 cm  Mar 2019@4yrs
2.9 cm  Aug 2018@3yrs
3.1 cm  Aug 2017@2yrs
3.2 cm  Aug 2016@1yr
3.2x3.0x2.5cm AN; CK Aug 2015