Are there ways to keep the immune system functioning and up during chemotherapy?

It's Tough: The essentials are a good diet rich in proteins, and some luck. Some chemo therapies really cause profound decreases in the white blood cells and this can be battled with medicines such as Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) or neupogen. There will be peaks and valleys in your white cell counts. When low, stay away from crowds and sick people and uncooked foods.

Many ways: A healthy diet (lots of organic fruits, veggies, proteins, no sugar and few starches), many herbs, supplements, and medicinal mushrooms, mind/body techniques & a positive attitude can all help. Work with a knowledgeable holistic physician. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17283738 & http://tinyurl.com/l9pdmjd & http://tinyurl.com/lnmoojl & http://tinyurl.com/lh2boa5