Rebuilding Immunity After Taxotere
Taxotere is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help treat certain forms of cancer. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells, preventing their spread to other areas. However, Taxotere and chemotherapy treatment can tax the body and inhibit the body’s natural immune cell response. Individuals undergoing and who have just finished chemotherapy treatment are at an increased risk of developing illness and infections, and rebuilding immunity after Taxotere treatment is vital but challenging. Don’t know what should you do for rebuilding immunity after Taxotere?
At Hotze Runkle PLLC, we know you may feel overwhelmed by the side effects of your Taxotere treatment, especially the undisclosed side effects of the drug, like canalicular stenosis. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you take the time to care for yourself and rebuild your body’s natural immune system. How? We have some suggestions that can help put you on the right track.
How Does Taxotere Affect the Immune System?
Taxotere and chemotherapy work together to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading to other body areas. Chemotherapy is so effective because it kills fast-growing cancer cells. However, chemotherapy drugs cannot distinguish between fast-growing cancer cells and other healthy fast-growing cells in the blood, bone marrow, intestinal tract, and other human body areas. Infection-fighting white blood cells can be destroyed by chemotherapy treatment, making it more challenging for the body to respond and fight off illness and infections.
Links Between Taxotere and Canalicular Stenosis
In addition to weakening the immune system, studies have linked Taxotere to other severe and previously undisclosed side effects, like developing canalicular stenosis.
Canalicular stenosis is a significant eye condition that results in the narrowing or total obstruction of the canalicular channels. These channels are part of a crucial network of tubes, sacs, and glands, which help produce and distribute tears to the eyes, keeping them healthy and moisturized. Every time a person blinks, tears from the tear duct get distributed across the eye. Canalicular stenosis interrupts the process by restricting normal tear flow through the canalicular channels. Narrowing of the channels can become so significant that tears never make it to the eye; instead, they begin to flow freely or uncontrollably down an individual’s face.
Those experiencing this significant side effect following Taxotere treatment may be eligible to pursue compensation for their injuries and financial losses via a Taxotere lawsuit.
Ways to Boost Your Immunity After Taxotere Treatment
What should you do for rebuilding immunity after Taxotere? Many cancer patients believe that following chemotherapy and Taxotere treatment, their immune system will slowly return to normal. Boosting the immune system post-chemotherapy can be difficult, though. New studies indicate that it may take longer than previously thought for the body’s immune response to return. One study suggests the immune system may be compromised for up to nine months after chemotherapy treatment ends, especially in early-stage breast cancer patients. The study also shows that individuals treated with cyclophosphamide and Taxotere had significantly depressed levels of lymphocytes, measuring at only 64 percent of pre-chemotherapy levels. That means the timeline for immune system recovery after chemotherapy and radiation may be longer than previously recognized for many cancer survivors.
How can you help rebuild your body’s immunity after Taxotere treatment? Start with the basics and some common-sense immune system boosters. Start by getting enough rest. Sleep is when our bodies recover and repair. During sleep, the immune system releases proteins like cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies and cells. Lack of sleep can decrease the production of these cells and further increase a person’s risk of developing an illness or infection. Sleeping enough at night can help your body naturally repair your compromised immune system.
What should you do to increase nutrition for immune health after Taxotere? Your body also needs fuel and proper nutrition to replenish your immune system. Maintain a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber. Following chemotherapy and Taxotere treatment, you may find that your mouth is sensitive, dry, and prone to mouth sores. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and be gentle. Avoid foods and beverages that are too hot and too cold. Take some supplements to improve immunity post-Taxotere, those with vitamins and minerals. The American Cancer Society has numerous tips for eating a healthy and balanced diet following cancer treatment, which can help boost your immune system. People with cancer can increase their quality of life by eating dairy products, vegetables, and lots of fruits.
Exercise is another way to help your body recover and repair your damaged immune system. Studies show that physical activity improves defense activity and metabolic health, showing a relationship between exercise and immune support. Exercise can also improve mood, reduce anxiety, help you sleep better, and reduce neuropathy symptoms. Following treatment, consider starting slow. Yoga and flexibility exercises are an excellent place to start, and you can build from there. Take short walks around the block or swim. These low-impact exercises can help you build cardiovascular fitness and support your immune system.
Other Ways to Improve Your Immune System
You can do other things to improve your immune system following chemotherapy treatment. Consider adding these to your wellness routine:
- Eliminate tobacco and alcohol
- Reduce your stress levels
- Practice regular hand washing and good hygiene
- Consider adding vitamins or supplements with approval from your doctor
- Get regular check-ups and follow your doctor’s recovery plan
Contact your physician immediately if you experience side effects or infections or have other concerns following chemotherapy treatment with Taxotere.
Do You Need an Attorney Following Treatment with Taxotere?
Don’t know what should you do for rebuilding immunity after Taxotere? Rebuilding your immune system following chemotherapy treatment can be a painfully slow and overwhelming process. Doing treatment and immune recovery after Taxotere treatment should not be difficult while undergoing chemotherapy. While you should be focusing on your overall health and wellness, you may be too consumed with managing the unexpected symptoms of a canalicular stenosis diagnosis as well. At Hotze Runkle PLLC, our legal team dedicates itself to helping individuals suffering from this undisclosed side effect pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you have been diagnosed with canalicular stenosis after undergoing treatment with Taxotere, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Call our office at (800) 763-6155 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled Taxotere attorneys. You can also learn more about Taxotere here.
Related Posts:
Top Ways to Manage Nail Side Effects of Taxotere
What Happens If I Lose My Job Due to Side Effects From Taking Taxotere?