Supplements during treatments.

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Kenny H.
Kenny H. Member Posts: 502 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Doing some reading on nutritional supplements & multivitamins during treatments.
Some key antioxident vitamins are B,C,E & A. (they work best in combination)as well as Beta-carotene, lycopene 7 omega-3 fatty acid.
Ive heard some say not to take any vitamins at all or stop 2 days prior to hook-up and start 3 days after disconnect.
Anyone heard of this or taking supplements while on treatments?

Comments

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #2
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    Supplements
    Do not take anything that your oncologist doesn't know about as it can interfere with the potency of the treatments. That includes a multi-vitamin. Just ask so you will be sure.

    Kim
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #3
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    Sorry Kenny but l can not help you as l been
    not informed by my doc.
    Hugs!
  • imagineit2010
    imagineit2010 Member Posts: 152 Member
    #4
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    The book, Beating Cancer
    The book, Beating Cancer with Nutrition was written by a Dr. that was involved with the Cancer Centers of America for many years. He clearly explains how antioxidants and Vitamins, especially C, can improve the effects of chemo and reduce the side effects. If your interested you can probably get the book used at a book store. It's a great resource. I used many during Xeloda treatments and had minimal side effects plus a complete response to the treatment.
    Good luck,
    Chris
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    #5
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    Hi Kenny
    I was told to stop taking my multivitamin and B complex at all during chemo because it contained folic acid and would interfer with my chemo as we receive folonic acid as part of FOLFOX. I now take a B suppliment with the other Bs but no B9 (folic acid). My onc has cleared me to take Calcium w/D, Magnesium w/zinc, and my Bs wo/folic acid. I was told not to take any of my other antioxidants either because they effect the strength/effectiveness of the chemo. My suppliment list is way down right now due to FOLFOX. I am going to mention ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) on my visit this Thursday because I want to take it for the neuropathy side effects. I will let you know what my onc says about that. I have my fingers crossed (I think) it will be approved because I am sick of have bubmle bees stinging me in my gloves and socks for 10 days each round if I get the slightest bit cold.
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #6
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    imagineit2010 said:

    The book, Beating Cancer
    The book, Beating Cancer with Nutrition was written by a Dr. that was involved with the Cancer Centers of America for many years. He clearly explains how antioxidants and Vitamins, especially C, can improve the effects of chemo and reduce the side effects. If your interested you can probably get the book used at a book store. It's a great resource. I used many during Xeloda treatments and had minimal side effects plus a complete response to the treatment.
    Good luck,
    Chris

    onc told breast cancer trial vitamin c that worsened prognosis
    hi chris,
    i read the trial and stayed away from high dose vitamin c.
    who knows ? but i listened to my onc warning.
    still having multi vitamin , liver tonic, vitamin e.
    glad things went well for you.
    pete
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #8
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    pete43lost_at_sea said:

    onc told breast cancer trial vitamin c that worsened prognosis
    hi chris,
    i read the trial and stayed away from high dose vitamin c.
    who knows ? but i listened to my onc warning.
    still having multi vitamin , liver tonic, vitamin e.
    glad things went well for you.
    pete

    You having Gin Tonic? , not good man!!
    That's the reason for your diarrhea brother!.Hahahahahahahahahahahaha !
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #9
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    Lori-S said:

    Hi Kenny
    I was told to stop taking my multivitamin and B complex at all during chemo because it contained folic acid and would interfer with my chemo as we receive folonic acid as part of FOLFOX. I now take a B suppliment with the other Bs but no B9 (folic acid). My onc has cleared me to take Calcium w/D, Magnesium w/zinc, and my Bs wo/folic acid. I was told not to take any of my other antioxidants either because they effect the strength/effectiveness of the chemo. My suppliment list is way down right now due to FOLFOX. I am going to mention ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) on my visit this Thursday because I want to take it for the neuropathy side effects. I will let you know what my onc says about that. I have my fingers crossed (I think) it will be approved because I am sick of have bubmle bees stinging me in my gloves and socks for 10 days each round if I get the slightest bit cold.

    hi lori folfox little bubble bee here tooo
    it was really hot here yesterday.
    got 4 icecreams for family, one for me to at petrol station.
    got the pins and needles bad enough to ask the servo guy for
    a bag. strange still enjoyed eating icecream just could not hold them.
    he looked at me strange as if the icecreams were to heavy.
    will ask my onc about ala.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #10
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    pete43lost_at_sea said:

    onc told breast cancer trial vitamin c that worsened prognosis
    hi chris,
    i read the trial and stayed away from high dose vitamin c.
    who knows ? but i listened to my onc warning.
    still having multi vitamin , liver tonic, vitamin e.
    glad things went well for you.
    pete

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • pete43lost_at_sea
    pete43lost_at_sea Member Posts: 3,900 Member
    #11
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    pepebcn said:

    You having Gin Tonic? , not good man!!
    That's the reason for your diarrhea brother!.Hahahahahahahahahahahaha !

    at gt could not hurt
    it would go straight to the bag, at least we have an advantage to
    having diarrhea. ha ha ha.
    thanks pepe
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #12
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    pete43lost_at_sea said:

    at gt could not hurt
    it would go straight to the bag, at least we have an advantage to
    having diarrhea. ha ha ha.
    thanks pepe

    Yep you are right I didn't realize!
    Hehehehe!
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #13
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    pete43lost_at_sea said:

    hi lori folfox little bubble bee here tooo
    it was really hot here yesterday.
    got 4 icecreams for family, one for me to at petrol station.
    got the pins and needles bad enough to ask the servo guy for
    a bag. strange still enjoyed eating icecream just could not hold them.
    he looked at me strange as if the icecreams were to heavy.
    will ask my onc about ala.

    Hahahaha !
    You the Aussies are really fun! LOL.
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #14
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Sorry Kenny l realize I'm spoiling your post!
    l apologize! .
    Hugs!
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    #15
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    Lori-S said:

    Hi Kenny
    I was told to stop taking my multivitamin and B complex at all during chemo because it contained folic acid and would interfer with my chemo as we receive folonic acid as part of FOLFOX. I now take a B suppliment with the other Bs but no B9 (folic acid). My onc has cleared me to take Calcium w/D, Magnesium w/zinc, and my Bs wo/folic acid. I was told not to take any of my other antioxidants either because they effect the strength/effectiveness of the chemo. My suppliment list is way down right now due to FOLFOX. I am going to mention ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) on my visit this Thursday because I want to take it for the neuropathy side effects. I will let you know what my onc says about that. I have my fingers crossed (I think) it will be approved because I am sick of have bubmle bees stinging me in my gloves and socks for 10 days each round if I get the slightest bit cold.

    Also Kenny
    Please note that my onc is NOT a suppliment enthusiast. He didn't agree to give me cal/mag with FOLFOX infusion when I asked as he didn't feel that the research was definite enough on it. But, when I told him that I wanted to take it as a suppliment he said it was ok. I do know a retired doctor/friend of mine that swears by IV vitamin C. He gave it for years to one of the Hormel (yep that Hormel) family members who had had cancer and felt that it was partially responsible (along with other anti-oxs given IV) for putting him into remission. So, I think a lot of what we ae told by our oncs can be personal to the doctors thought processes/experiences.
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #16
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    Be very careful about supplements during treatment
    You may want to view these lectures from an Integrative Medicine Specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/96363.cfm

    She explains how anti-oxidants can counteract chemo and radiation therapy. Even green tea is contra-indicated in many situations.

    Dr. Wesa is a proponent of supplements, but used appropriately. She has me using Lavender for sleep issues now, and is overseeing my post-treatment supplements. However, she references studies that show the disadvantages of many supplements during treatment.

    During chemo, I was advised not to take any supplements except B6 for neuropathy.

    Some of the supplements that strengthen our good cells also strengthen cancer cells - the very ones we want to knock down. Please be careful and be informed.

    Alice
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    #17
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    pepebcn said:

    Sorry Kenny l realize I'm spoiling your post!
    l apologize! .
    Hugs!

    We luv ya anyway
    Pepe. And missed you posting yesterday. Did you have a good day away from us? I hope you had lots of fun!
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    #18
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    Lori-S said:

    We luv ya anyway
    Pepe. And missed you posting yesterday. Did you have a good day away from us? I hope you had lots of fun!

    I missed you too, I thought it was you who was away!
    Big hug dearest !
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #19
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    Kenny:
    People are all over the place on this subject. My hubby is Stage IV. Our onc advised a multi vitaman, no high antioxidents, no green tea, any other supplements no without his knowledge. His general opinion was while on chemo, do not start supplements that you were not already taking and if you are taking something, run the list by him. What strengthens the good cells, while on chemo, also strengthen the cancer cells.

    Take care - Tina
  • Kenny H.
    Kenny H. Member Posts: 502 Member
    #20
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    geotina said:

    Kenny:
    People are all over the place on this subject. My hubby is Stage IV. Our onc advised a multi vitaman, no high antioxidents, no green tea, any other supplements no without his knowledge. His general opinion was while on chemo, do not start supplements that you were not already taking and if you are taking something, run the list by him. What strengthens the good cells, while on chemo, also strengthen the cancer cells.

    Take care - Tina

    Thanks for the replies
    Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes makes sense to consult Onc on this 1st. Most arent pro-supplement as some books out there lead you to believe. I can see points on both sides of the issue. She the Onc tuesday will run it by him.

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