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Can Alcohol Be Consumed While On Chemotherapy?

Posted on Tue, 18 Jul 2023

Question: Dear Doc

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

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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

Answered by Dr. Monish De (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Monish De (32 minutes later)

Thanks for your reply Doc....I think u misunderstood my history...as stated in my earlier message I am not taking any pain killers or anti nausea tic meds right now....I took a few pain killers right after my chemo but that was 7 days back and no anti nausea tic meds at all...

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

Answered by Dr. Monish De (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

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

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad