Maureen, good topic! I have been fortunate that I don't have to take a lot of prescription meds (also allergic to everything, so doubly good). But, my poor husband who is starting his cancer journey.....finally diagnosed as Stage 3a Lung cancer has several other conditions as he comes into the cancer treatment. He generally handles meds well but at present he is taking seven meds. COPD drugs, drugs for benign essential tremor, serious foot pain and neuropathy, a heartburn drug for Barrett's Esophagus and the new drug for Supra Ventricular Tacyacardia (a heart rhythm problem). Many of his drugs cause sleepiness or fatigue and dizziness. Soon we'll start treatment for the cancer and that will add more drugs I'm sure. I manage his drugs and ask each and every time a new drug is prescribed how it might interact with the others. I've actually gotten a couple changed so that 'mix' is safer and we always focus on the least powerful drug and amount to start. I also read those inserts you get with drugs and also look them up online to make sure they aren't causing interactions that will cause more serious issues. There does sometimes seem to be a 'cascade' effect with drugs. You take one drug to solve one problem which then requires another drug to counteract the original drug. Whenever possible I try to substitute a natural substance for a drug. I have done a great deal of research on 'natural' supplements and foods that can help support the body, making it as healthy as possible to sustain the treatments we all have to consider with serious illness.
I was prescribed, but was unable to take, aromatase inhibitor type drugs for my breast cancer due to serious side effects......but with really concentrated effort and lots of higher power intervention (I think) I was able to virtually eliminate all the estrogen in my body. I was concerned about the AI drugs because they can cause other problems like osteoporosis, carpal tunnel, depression, etc. I was shocked to hear one oncologist suggest that I would just start on drugs for those conditions to counteract the effects of the AI drugs. But, the AI drugs slow down or stop the cancer so I completely understand and support taking those drugs as needed. I am fortunate I have a new oncologist who supports a 'whole person' theory on cancer and makes recommendations on diet, lifestyle and alternatives to traditional drugs. It can't always be the answer but it's sometimes an option. Before I take a drug or before my husband takes a drug, I ask lots of questions about alternatives, do research and only then do we move forward.