I Was Diagnosed With Follicular Lymphoma December 2014. I Did

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2020

Question: I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma December 2014. I did 6 months of chemo which included a bit prednisone. since that time my IGa has been below 5. Periodic scans show no progression of the disease since chemo ended. Just a couple of nodes in my neck which haven't changed. I got shingles in August of 2018 on my scalp, forehead and left eye lid. I still suffer from the shingles damage to nerves around the eye. My oncologist feels I got shingles secondary to low IGa which he feels was wiped out by the prednisone, hence he suggested that whenever I get a respiratory infection I be quick to take antibiotics, and resist prednisone for inflammation. ie save prednisone for when the lymphoma returns. my question is: what can I do to help bring the IGa to normal levels? I seem to get every respiratory bug that comes around. Thanks, Myron

Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follicular Lymphoma

Detailed Answer:
Dear Galaxygears
It is pleasure to note that post chemothrapy 6 years you continue to maintain the remission. Prednisolone is important ingredient of lymphoma chemotherapy. it is the combined factor of chemotherapy which has suppressed your immunity and you are getting shringles and other recurrent infections. Once the shringles have developed it is unlikely you get it again as the bodies deffence mechanism improves against it. if your IG level is really low it can be supplimented but practically after having a good protein and nutritious diet you really do not need to have it. As the time passes there will be improvement on all sides.Respiratory infection is communicable problem for which prevention is more important. Antibiotics ahould be used if really needed because they themselves are responsible for immuno suppression. B12 therapy is good for neurological pains.
Truly,
Dr. Ticku

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (2 days later)

I would like to know if any supplements are beneficial for IGa improvement. I saw that colostrum can be of benefit. is this scientifically proven? My wife and I are following a Keto diet now. I have eaten 3 eggs for breakfast for many years (Protein) we do not eat a lot of highly processed foods yet try to be reasonable in our food choices. we get portions of green vegetables, some fruits, and minimal potatoes and white bread. so bottom line, I am looking for over the counter supplements to boost IGa.

Thanks, Myron

Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follicular lymphoma

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,
The development of IG is a complex inbuilt process of the body manufactured from various ingredients of body requirement.. A good balanced diet with essential amino acids fats and carbohydrates is the pre requisite. supplementing it with parentral therapy is really not indicated. I will advise you to suppliment your diet with berry fruits which will help in long way.
Truly.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj