When Chance was recently diagnosed with a blood clot in his upper left leg, he was told to go off all meds and supplements until he could meet with the hematologist. He did so and at the hematology appointment, the doctor told us blood clots are common in brain tumor patients.
We wondered why we hadn't been warned.
In Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., page 33 states: "Maintaining adequate magnesium levels is especially important in preventing surgical and postsurgical complications. Magnesium is one of those nutrients that seem to have an unlimited list of benefits. In addition to playing a role in more than 300 enzymes, it regulates blood flow, protects brain cells, protects the heart muscle, reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, improves lung function, improves kidney function, and prevents one of the most frightening complications of major surgery: blood clots.
I have used magnesium in my neurosurgical patients for more than fifteen years and have never had a patient develop postoperative blood clots in the legs or lungs."
Of course, magnesium is a blood thinner too, so how much to take could be problematic...
Stephen, any thoughts?
The increased risk for venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in glioma patients is well documented (for example, http://neuro-oncology.oxfordjournals.org/content/14/suppl_4/iv73.full ) although this has not yet been a focus of my research, and I haven't studied magnesium in this context. It could definitely be useful for those at risk for blood clots, including those taking high-dose tamoxifen.
ReplyDeleteI am also surprised that the doctors had not warned or at minimum advised as to the higher risk for blood clots. My daughter is doing well now, but this is just one more thing to be concerned about
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