supplements?

pink05
pink05 Member Posts: 550
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that my dad is doing okay with his chemo. He will be getting his 3rd treatment on Monday. He's had some tingling and numbness in his hands when it is cold out, but over the last few days, it has been warmer and he hasn't had that problem as much. We still aren't sure about that liver met. Haven't talked to the onc about getting a PET scan. Part of me is afraid to request it because then it would probably confirm the liver met. I know that is a ridiculous way of thinking. Well anyway, I have a couple questions that you may be able to help me with.

1. Does it take a long time to gain weight back after a colon resection? My dad started losing weight one week prior to his surgery (about 10 pounds). That was back in the beginning of January. He still hasn't gained it back yet. The surgeon said that it does take a while. Have any of you had difficulty putting weight back on? If so, what have you done to try to gain the weight back?

2. I just heard of some supplements used to help fight cancer: Natural Cellular Defense (Zeolite), IP6 with Inositol, and AHCC (a mushroom supplement). Have any of you heard of or are presently taking any of these supplements? If so, what have you heard?

I read that Zeolite is contraindicated for anyone taking medications such as platinum. I am assuming that anyone taking oxaliplatin wouldn't be able to use zeolite. I guess zeolite's main purpose is to remove heavy minerals, fungus, carcinogens, etc...



Any way, sorry this is so long. Take care, everyone.

God bless,

-Lee-

Comments

  • JADot
    JADot Member Posts: 709 Member
    #2
    Hi Lee:

    I am having very tingly finger now coz I just had my dose of Oxaliplatin so I will be brief.

    Weight - yup, gaining weight is hard. I've only managed ~5lbs in almost 4 months. Key is good nutrition, not gaining weight fast. For nutrition and supplement tips, please read Patrick Quillin
    s book "Fight Cancer w/ Nutrition".

    Re: supplements - Quillin talks a lot about it. Please make sure to fully disclose what you're taking to your doctor.

    Best of luck to you and your Dad!

    JADot
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    Great news about your dad. I had pre-surgical chemo/rad, lost 30 pounds (I'm a REAL WIMP). I found that eating more often, smaller bites of things that sounded good. I got hooked on (shame on me) Bryers Ice Cream. Weight gain was slow, but I eat alot healthier now....fresh fruit and vegies, juices, Ice Cream was just because I was having trouble keeping ANYTHING down.
    As far as PET scan...I've had 2...you know, it might show NOTHING, too. Keep on the bright side, my dear, you're doing fine!
    As far as supplements, please run by your dad's oncologist before taking anything. I was on cisplatin (has platinum in it). I had to be careful, too...even told my onc what daily vitamins I was taking.
    Hugs,
    Kathi
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    #4
    Hello,
    I am not sure what supplements your father should be taking while he is undergoing chemotherapy. I highly recommend that you consult a N.D. (naturopath) who deals with cancer patients. Perhaps if your oncologist is of the open minded variety he/she can recommend someone. I was referred to the NW Natural Health Clinic in Seattle by my oncologist. They will do consultations over the phone. You just have to send your medical records so they can see what is going on. Another good one is Dr. John Shermann at Rainbow Natural Remedies also in Seattle.
    I have taken supplements throughout my cancer diagnosis, treatment, and now recovery. I am currently taking IP6 w/ Inositol 2000mg/day, however, like I said, I am in remission. For people w/ active cancer it is recommended 4000mg/day. I would talk to your doctor about it, but unfortunately many doctors are not trained whatsoever when it comes to supplements and so forth....however, they should be able to tell you what not to take. Also, maybe you can print out some literature and bring it in to the appointment with you when you go..
    I have also taken miataake supplements in the past but am not taking them at the moment. I have never heard of Natural Cellular Defense or Zeolite.
    My N.D. focused with me more on taking supplements after I was finished with the chemo.
    I hope that helps,
    Susan.

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