
Can Alcohol Be Consumed While On Chemotherapy?

I had lumpectomy of 2.5 CM tumor in my left breast in end Nov 2017. My Oncotype DX score was 20. So far I have had 4 cycles of AC Dense and 1 cycle of Taxol D Dens - (Mine was invasive ductal carcinoma Grade II). My last session was on 9th March and at that time my platelets were 116. They were always way above 200 in all my previous chemos. My GGT went pretty high (almost 270) but it came down to 115 before my last chemo on 9th March. I took few pain killers for 2 days after my chemo (till 12th March) and no nausea tablets at all. Generally speaking I am feeling very healthy this time around and have been walking on treadmill for since past 7 days for almost 35-40 mins
I had 2 glasses of red wine after my 1st chemo and 1 after my 3rd chemo - Total 3 in past 3 months or so. My next taxol chemo is due on 23rd march (coming Friday). Tonight and tomorrow night I have to attend 2 parties with friends
QUESTION ONE:
I was wondering if its OK to have 2 glasses of red wine tonight and 2 tomorrow night? Afterwards I can take a long gap easily - Please let me know if its OK to have red wine tonight and tomorrow keeping into account that my platelets count on 8th March was only 116 and my GGT + Alkaline Phosphate are not at best (115 & 110)
QUESTION TWO:
Also someone told that since I am strongly positive to ER/PR therefore cancer will come back for sure if I drink even after chemos because ER/PR attracts cancer despite taking hormone therapy - Please let me know what your studies tell regarding this issue? Is it true that I should quit wine for life because of strongly positive ER/PR
Thanks
Mrs XX
*******************************************************
Dear Doc
Just to let you know I have been taking a lot of fresh apple juice + eggs since my last chemo to increase my platelets count. Also I have had 5 fligrastim 300 mcg injections out of 7 i have to take after my last chemo of Taxol
While I was on AC Dense my onco was giving me 8 injections
Also regarding my 1st question, the %age of alcohol in my red wine is 12
Thanks and waiting for your reply
Mrs XX
Do not drink red wine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
After hearing your history I would advise you not to drink red wine as it contains 12 percent alcohol.
Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as pain and nausea and medications such as pain killers and anti nausea medications may interact with alcohol causing adverse reactions.
It also increases the risk of dehydration
Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to effectively metabolize toxins.
Drinking red wine if you are estrogen positive which you are can increase your risk of cancer.
Alcohol fuels estrogen
As you are ER/PR positive you are advised against the drinking of red wine
Make sure you take plenty of herb tea unsweetened and water to flush your kidneys
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Monish De, Oncologist


Also I am concerned about my platelets count...You have not advised anything on this matter....Kindly advise?
Regarding Red Wine, is it so that I can never drink again due to positive ER PR....?
Please advise
Thanks
Mrs XX
Red wine will decrease your platelet count more
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Alcohol affects not only platelet production but also platelet function and with your low platelet count, you are advised against drinking red wine.
Eat plenty of lean meats such as fish, chicken and turkey which are rich in protein and fruits such as spinach, asparagus, and oranges which are rich in vitamin B 12 and zinc which help increase the blood platelet count.
Just one drink of red wine a day can double the risk of hormone receptor positive breast cancer and yes since you are ER/PR positive you are advised not to drink it in your life
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Monish De, Oncologist

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
