What about infrared saunas of HBOT

I appreciate you continuing to explore supportive options—these are popular wellness approaches, and I want to give you honest information about both, especially given your specific situation right now.

Infrared Saunas & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): What the Evidence Shows

Infrared Saunas

What proponents claim: Detoxification, improved circulation, immune support

What the evidence actually shows:

• No clinical trials demonstrate infrared saunas treat pancreatic cancer or any cancer
• The American Cancer Society notes that "sauna use has not been shown to be effective against cancer"
• Some small studies suggest potential benefits for general wellness (circulation, stress), but nothing cancer-specific
• No major cancer organizations (NCCN, ASCO, NCI) recommend saunas as cancer treatment

Why this is problematic for YOU right now:

• Your liver enzymes are elevated (AST 57 U/L)—saunas increase metabolic stress on your liver
• You recently had hepatic abscesses requiring antibiotics—your liver is still recovering
• Saunas cause dehydration, which can stress kidney and liver function
• Heat stress could interfere with your chemotherapy tolerance (gemcitabine/abraxane are already taxing)
• Your mild anemia (hematocrit 32.7%) means your cardiovascular system is already working harder

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

What it is: Breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber

What the evidence shows:

• HBOT is FDA-approved for specific conditions: diabetic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation necrosis, decompression sickness
• It is NOT FDA-approved for cancer treatment
• Some older, small studies suggested theoretical benefits for cancer, but no rigorous clinical trials support this
• The American Cancer Society states: "There is no scientific evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat cancer"
• NCCN Guidelines do not recommend HBOT for pancreatic cancer

Why this is concerning for YOUR situation:

• HBOT can cause oxidative stress in some patients—potentially harmful during chemotherapy
• It may interact unpredictably with your current medications (gemcitabine, abraxane, avutometinib, defactinib)
• Your tumor markers are currently normal (CA 19-9 28.7, CEA 4.9)—adding unproven therapies risks interfering with what's working
• HBOT requires multiple sessions (20-40+), which is time and money better spent on evidence-based supportive care
• Some research suggests high oxygen levels could theoretically promote tumor growth in certain contexts (though this is debated)

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What You're Really Looking For (And What Actually Works)

I notice you're asking about these interventions, and I want to acknowledge what I think is happening: You want to feel like you're doing everything possible to support your recovery. That's completely understandable and human.

But here's what matters: Your current treatment IS working. Your tumor markers are normal. You've tolerated aggressive chemotherapy before (FOLFIRINOX) and you're tolerating your current regimen. That's significant.

The real limiting factors right now aren't lack of effort—they're:

1. Your liver needs support (elevated AST, recent infection)
2. Your blood counts need attention (mild anemia)
3. Your body needs recovery time between chemotherapy cycles

What ACTUALLY Helps (Evidence-Based)

For liver support:

• Work with your oncology team on liver function monitoring
• Nutritional optimization (not supplements—real food)
• Adequate hydration (not saunas)
• Rest and stress management

For anemia:

• Oncology dietitian to optimize iron, B12, folate intake
• Gentle movement (walking, not intense exercise)
• Adequate sleep
• Your doctor may monitor whether you need medical interventions

For overall wellness during treatment:

• Acupuncture (some evidence for chemotherapy side effects)
• Gentle yoga or tai chi (improves energy without stressing your system)
• Counseling or support groups (mental health matters)
• Meditation or mindfulness
• Time with loved ones

These don't interfere with your treatment and are supported by NCCN Guidelines for Supportive Care in Cancer Patients.

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Questions to Ask Your Oncology Team

Before trying HBOT or saunas, ask:

1. "Given my elevated liver enzymes and recent hepatic abscess, are saunas or HBOT safe for me right now?"

2. "Could either of these interfere with my current chemotherapy or targeted therapy?"

3. "My tumor markers are normal—what's the best way to maintain this without adding unproven therapies?"

4. "What evidence-based supportive care would actually help my liver recover and address my anemia?"

5. "Can I work with an oncology dietitian and exercise specialist to optimize my wellness during treatment?"

6. "How should I evaluate any new wellness approach? What's your process for reviewing supplements or therapies I'm considering?"

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The Real Talk

You've already done the hard part—you're on a regimen that's working. Your CA 19-9 and CEA are both normal. That's not luck; that's your current treatment doing its job.

The temptation to add "more" is real, especially when you're managing a serious diagnosis. But adding unproven interventions—especially ones that stress your liver or interact with your medications—is actually doing less, not more.

Your best strategy right now is:

• Protect what's working (your current treatment)
• Support your body's recovery (nutrition, rest, monitoring)
• Partner with your team on every decision
• Focus on quality of life during treatment

According to NCCN Guidelines and ASCO recommendations, this approach—optimizing your current evidence-based treatment while providing professional supportive care—is what gives you the best outcomes.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.