Vitamins

AZANNIE
AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
in Anal Cancer #1
Does any know if there are any vitamins, supplements that aid healing? Also, has anyone tried probiotics? My radiation oncologist had never heard of them??? Due to the radiation and antibiotics I was given during my May hospital stay have wrecked havoc on intestinal flora... I'm taking a multivitamin and krill oil now.

Comments

  • Lorikat
    Lorikat Member Posts: 681 Member
    #2
    Active yogurt. My internest
    Active yogurt. My internest prescribed Activia yogurt. I eat a small cartain every day. Don't think it can hurt....never thought to ask my oncologist....
    How are you doing otherwise? I have 2 more weeks of chemo and radiation and feel I am doing fairly well. One thing I am sure of now, if I wasn't
    Before, I WILL NEVER BE A NUDIST AND GET AN ALL OVER MY BUM SUNBURN!!'
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    AZANNIE--
    Probiotics will definitely help your intestinal system. Make sure you use one that is active. Do a little research and find out what the supplement should contain to benefit you the most, as there are several different strains of bacteria that are good for the gut. Also, I would highly recommend taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. All will help with bone strength, as the radiation can weaken the bones significantly in the hips and thighs, thus increasing the chance of fractures. If you've never had one, a bone density scan (DEXA) would be a good idea to get a baseline of what kind of shape your bones are in, now that you have had radiation. Tumeric is known to have cancer-fighting properties and can be taken in supplement form also. I hope this info helps.

    You mentioned your rad onc didn't know anything about vitamins or probiotics. I have to say that worries me a little.
  • pjs62
    pjs62 Member Posts: 95
    #4
    Digestive Aids
    My new cancer center has a nutritionist I met with & she recommended some herbs that will help when having digestion issues. I was having a hard time eating & not having a 'bathroom run' (right after). I started taking Fennel seed, Multi enzymes, & Colon Health (probiotic) about 3 wks ago & am noticing a difference in how I feel. I also drink ginger tea although alittle 'spicy strong' but helps. And don't forget yogurt like Activia (I love making smoothies when not up to eating much). Something else to try is flaxseed, probiotic pearls, or similase. If you go to your local health food store they can help find these things.
    My old drs didn't know about these things either. I also attend any nutrition seminars my Cancer Services has. Check with your local American Cancer Society for a nutitionist to talk to. I wish I'd known about these digestive aids a yr ago!
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #5
    mp327 said:

    AZANNIE--
    Probiotics will definitely help your intestinal system. Make sure you use one that is active. Do a little research and find out what the supplement should contain to benefit you the most, as there are several different strains of bacteria that are good for the gut. Also, I would highly recommend taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. All will help with bone strength, as the radiation can weaken the bones significantly in the hips and thighs, thus increasing the chance of fractures. If you've never had one, a bone density scan (DEXA) would be a good idea to get a baseline of what kind of shape your bones are in, now that you have had radiation. Tumeric is known to have cancer-fighting properties and can be taken in supplement form also. I hope this info helps.

    You mentioned your rad onc didn't know anything about vitamins or probiotics. I have to say that worries me a little.

    Thanks for info
    Thanks for the information! Yes, I was surprised that the rad. onc hadn't heard of probiotics. Needless to say, if I had to have more radiation (had the max, can't have more) I would go elsewhere. Still don't know why I have to see him for follow up... I had a DEXA last year so I do have a baseline for comparison. I have some probiotics but haven't tried them yet. Will start out slowly. I also have the other supplements you mentioned. Just have to start taking them faithfully.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #6
    mp327 said:

    AZANNIE--
    Probiotics will definitely help your intestinal system. Make sure you use one that is active. Do a little research and find out what the supplement should contain to benefit you the most, as there are several different strains of bacteria that are good for the gut. Also, I would highly recommend taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. All will help with bone strength, as the radiation can weaken the bones significantly in the hips and thighs, thus increasing the chance of fractures. If you've never had one, a bone density scan (DEXA) would be a good idea to get a baseline of what kind of shape your bones are in, now that you have had radiation. Tumeric is known to have cancer-fighting properties and can be taken in supplement form also. I hope this info helps.

    You mentioned your rad onc didn't know anything about vitamins or probiotics. I have to say that worries me a little.

    Thanks for info
    Thanks for the information! Yes, I was surprised that the rad. onc hadn't heard of probiotics. Needless to say, if I had to have more radiation (had the max, can't have more) I would go elsewhere. Still don't know why I have to see him for follow up... I had a DEXA last year so I do have a baseline for comparison. I have some probiotics but haven't tried them yet. Will start out slowly. I also have the other supplements you mentioned. Just have to start taking them faithfully.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #7
    pjs62 said:

    Digestive Aids
    My new cancer center has a nutritionist I met with & she recommended some herbs that will help when having digestion issues. I was having a hard time eating & not having a 'bathroom run' (right after). I started taking Fennel seed, Multi enzymes, & Colon Health (probiotic) about 3 wks ago & am noticing a difference in how I feel. I also drink ginger tea although alittle 'spicy strong' but helps. And don't forget yogurt like Activia (I love making smoothies when not up to eating much). Something else to try is flaxseed, probiotic pearls, or similase. If you go to your local health food store they can help find these things.
    My old drs didn't know about these things either. I also attend any nutrition seminars my Cancer Services has. Check with your local American Cancer Society for a nutitionist to talk to. I wish I'd known about these digestive aids a yr ago!

    I like Activia. I've also
    I like Activia. I've also tried Greek yogurt. I just have to eat it regularly.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #8
    pjs62 said:

    Digestive Aids
    My new cancer center has a nutritionist I met with & she recommended some herbs that will help when having digestion issues. I was having a hard time eating & not having a 'bathroom run' (right after). I started taking Fennel seed, Multi enzymes, & Colon Health (probiotic) about 3 wks ago & am noticing a difference in how I feel. I also drink ginger tea although alittle 'spicy strong' but helps. And don't forget yogurt like Activia (I love making smoothies when not up to eating much). Something else to try is flaxseed, probiotic pearls, or similase. If you go to your local health food store they can help find these things.
    My old drs didn't know about these things either. I also attend any nutrition seminars my Cancer Services has. Check with your local American Cancer Society for a nutitionist to talk to. I wish I'd known about these digestive aids a yr ago!

    I like Activia. I've also
    I like Activia. I've also tried Greek yogurt. I just have to eat it regularly.
  • AZANNIE
    AZANNIE Member Posts: 445 Member
    #9
    Lorikat said:

    Active yogurt. My internest
    Active yogurt. My internest prescribed Activia yogurt. I eat a small cartain every day. Don't think it can hurt....never thought to ask my oncologist....
    How are you doing otherwise? I have 2 more weeks of chemo and radiation and feel I am doing fairly well. One thing I am sure of now, if I wasn't
    Before, I WILL NEVER BE A NUDIST AND GET AN ALL OVER MY BUM SUNBURN!!'

    Lorikat
    I'm feeling better than I did a few months ago. Energy level is returning and I'm gaining weight. BM's take time and effort due to radiation shrinking the "chute" and scar tissue, but on the positive side, I'm still pooping... This has been quite the journey and you're right about the sunburn in the netherland... Glad you're doing well!

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