My question: is there a way to strengthen my dad against this chemotherapy, with vitamins or a diet or exercises?

-Many of the chemotherapeutic drugs act only on those cells that are moving through their respective cell cycle. This includes many of the normal cells, such as those from the hair follicles, gastrointestinal lining, bone marrow, ovaries, and testicles, as well as the cancer cells. Such indiscriminate action of the chemotherapy drugs helps to explain the side effects of the therapy -- hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, and low blood counts.

The chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with many of the normal cellular processes. Some of these include synthesis of DNA and RNA, repair of fragmented DNA and RNA, cellular division, and various chemical reactions within the cell. Much effort is underway in both conventional medicine arenas and the complementary medicine areas to alleviate some of the side effects without compromising the benefits. Some of these approaches include nutritional, acupuncture, Reiki, and massage therapy.

Nutritional Approaches

Recently, some of the pharmaceutical companies have developed compounds to help reduce the side effects of the chemotherapy drugs. Two of the chemo-protectants are amifostine (Ethyol) and mesna (Mesnex). Both have been shown to have a protective effect against some of the toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs.

In addition to the above two drugs, many vitamins and supplements demonstrate a beneficial effect when given along with the chemotherapy regimens. In fact, evidence suggests that many of these supplements not only protect against the side effects, but also increase the activity of the cancer drugs whereby improved responses are noted.

Some oncologists worry that the anti-oxidants may interfere with the desired effects of the chemotherapy drugs. This is a valid concern. However, studies have not demonstrated this to be true. In fact, studies reveal that the cancerous cells do not take up the anti-oxidants as avidly as the normal tissues. Due to this selective uptake in favor of the normal tissue, results favor an increase in tumor response and a decrease in side effects. Examples of this selective protection of normal tissue and enhanced activity against cancer include the interaction of Co-enzyme Q10 and doxorubicin, and beta-carotene with some of the chemotherapeutic drugs.

-Chemotherapy and radiation therapy generate free radicals in the body, and as the "cell kill" process proceeds, various metabolic waste products are generated in the system. One of the more essential practices in any cancer-reversal program, and for prevention, too, is to detoxify the body, down to the level of its cells, of a myriad of toxin, chemicals, parasites, and foreign substances. The build up of these toxins results in multiple symptoms - decreased immune function, nerve cell toxicity, hormonal dysfunction, psychological disturbances, environmental illnesses, and chronic fatigue.

Historically, colonics and coffee enemas have been utilized by those in alternative cancer programs for the detoxification of the body. These are still used and are extremely helpful in reducing the toxicity associated with the therapies and cancer, itself. We also now have other methods which are beneficial in the detoxification process. Some of these utilize herbs, vitamins, and other supplements, such as milk thistle, lipoic acid, catechin (a naturally occurring bioflavinoid), vitamin C, N-acteylcysteine, and Liv. 52 (an Ayurvedic herbal remedy). In addition, replenishment of glutathione is extremely important in maintaining adequate liver function in the face of chemotherapy.