Supplements 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
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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.
Kim0 -
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,
Chris0 -
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.0 -
onc told breast cancer trial vitamin c that worsened prognosisimagineit2010 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
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.
pete0 -
You having Gin Tonic? , not good man!!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
That's the reason for your diarrhea brother!.Hahahahahahahahahahahaha !0 -
hi lori folfox little bubble bee here toooLori-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.
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.0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatorpete43lost_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.
pete0 -
at gt could not hurtpepebcn said:You having Gin Tonic? , not good man!!
That's the reason for your diarrhea brother!.Hahahahahahahahahahahaha !
it would go straight to the bag, at least we have an advantage to
having diarrhea. ha ha ha.
thanks pepe0 -
Yep you are right I didn't realize!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
Hehehehe!0 -
Hahahaha !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.
You the Aussies are really fun! LOL.0 -
Also KennyLori-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.
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.0 -
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.
Alice0 -
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 - Tina0 -
Thanks for the repliesgeotina 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 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.0
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