OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Hepatic Function Tests and Lifestyle Changes During Cancer Treatment

Greetings! I am currently living with stage 4 breast cancer and undergoing treatment with Tukysa, Xeloda, and an additional infusion therapy that I can't quite recall. I have several inquiries regarding my condition. To give you some background, I am 5’6” and weigh 235 pounds, categorizing me as obese. Over the past six years, I have primarily been confined to bed. However, my doctor recently approved my use of ADHD medication again. Previously, I had decided to discontinue it after my diagnosis in an effort to minimize the number of medications I was taking. My doctor has consistently urged me to resume treatment, and I finally acquiesced after experiencing severe hypersomnia while on my cancer medication regimen. The shift in my daily routine has been remarkable. I now find myself out of bed every day, contributing to household tasks, preparing meals, and maintaining personal hygiene much more consistently. I feel ready to start venturing out again, although large crowds still intimidate me. My goal is to build up to that. I have incorporated exercise into my routine, typically walking for 30 minutes to an hour each day on a Bowflex treadmill, which minimizes strain on my hips and knees. I was initially diagnosed at the age of 29 with widely metastatic disease affecting my skeletal system. While my treatment has been somewhat effective, it resulted in significant bone damage that causes persistent pain, now managed with a fentanyl patch. I'm committed to keeping my dosage steady unless my condition deteriorates significantly. Originally, I was given a prognosis of two years, but I have surpassed that timeframe by five years, which statistically increases my chances of becoming a long-term survivor. Interestingly, addressing my ADHD has also reduced my reliance on daily diazepam. I had been taking 5 mg three times daily, but I have not needed it for the past couple of weeks and only experienced mild discomfort during the transition off of it. I intend to reserve it for use around scan times, as those moments can heighten my anxiety. As I grow more active, I’ve decided to adopt a ketogenic diet, which based on my research appears advantageous for cancer treatment. I also contend with mild liver injury and sleep apnea. My aim is to reduce weight and establish a sustainable regimen of eating keto along with daily exercise. Prior to starting my new lifestyle, my hepatic panel indicated a slight elevation in alkaline phosphate at 140, a low A/G ratio of 1, and an AST level at 52. I undergo routine blood tests before each infusion. With my increased level of physical activity and strict adherence to the ketogenic diet, should I anticipate any abnormalities in my hepatic function test results during my next evaluation? I definitely plan to inform my healthcare provider about my dietary and lifestyle modifications. My hope is that reducing my medication usage, coupled with my new regime, will contribute positively to liver health. Are there any specific concerns I should be aware of, or should I expect abnormal results because of these changes? Will my diet and weight management play a role in improving liver function or preventing further damage? I recognize that ongoing treatment is crucial since metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and I aim to endure my prescribed therapies for as long as possible. I truly appreciate your attention and insights, and I thank you for the invaluable work you do.

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 3:21:12 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's great to hear about the positive changes you've made in your life and your commitment to your health amidst your treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. Monitoring your liver health and understanding how your lifestyle changes may affect your hepatic function tests is important, especially with your history of liver injury.

Main Points:

1. Liver Function Tests: Changes to your diet and physical activity could impact your liver function results.
2. Ketogenic Diet Considerations: While a ketogenic diet may offer benefits, it’s crucial to monitor how it affects liver health.
3. Weight Management and Activity: Your weight loss and increased activity could positively influence liver function.

Explanation:

Your recent hepatic panel results indicate mild liver dysfunction, specifically an elevation in alkaline phosphatase, low A/G ratio, and increased AST levels. While adopting a ketogenic diet and increasing physical activity may have beneficial effects on overall health, they can also lead to temporary changes in liver enzyme levels. Regular monitoring will help assess how these lifestyle changes are influencing your liver function.

The ketogenic diet has been researched for potential benefits in cancer treatment; however, it is essential to approach it carefully, especially with pre-existing liver concerns. Being proactive in keeping your healthcare provider informed about your diet and lifestyle changes is wise. This way, they can monitor your liver function closely and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Monitoring: Keep up with routine blood tests before your infusions and discuss any changes in your diet or exercise with your healthcare provider.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods within your ketogenic plan to support liver health.
3. Exercise Gradually: Continue walking and gradually increase your activity level in a way that feels comfortable, as exercise can help improve liver function and overall wellbeing.
4. Watch for Symptoms: Be attentive to any new symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), or unusual fatigue, and report these to your provider.

Summary:

Your proactive approach to lifestyle changes is commendable and could lead to improvements in your overall health, including liver function. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare team will be crucial as you navigate this journey. Take it one step at a time, and remember that you are not alone in this process. If you have further questions or need specific guidance on the ketogenic diet, feel free to ask!