Any supplements help during radiation and chemo or aftet?

02021992
02021992 Member Posts: 12
in Anal Cancer #1

Any supplements help during radiation and chemo or after the treatment? 

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited November 2017 #2
    02021992

    I really can't offer any suggestions, only to say that before taking any supplement during treatment, please run it past your doctor beforehand.  Some things can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.  I wish you all the very best.

  • damillval
    damillval Member Posts: 2
    #3
    A probiotic with

    A probiotic with lactobacillus rhamnosus is helpful to stave off diarrhea. Vitamin E might also be helpful for skin issues, but check with your doctor about any supplements and reactions to chemo.

     

  • 02021992
    02021992 Member Posts: 12
    #4
    Thanks so much, a lot of

    Thanks so much, a lot of supplements on the market, some of them are expensive and geared toward immune system support, I'm starting treatment supposedly December 4, will I be able to drive to the treatments as I don't have any one to go with me, or it will be too painful to sit and drive? 

  • tanda
    tanda Member Posts: 174 Member
    #5
    02021992

    Some of us were able to drive to treatment; I was ok for the first 3 1/2 weeks and then fatigue, discomfort and diarrhea  limited my mobility. 

    The American Cancer Society  has a program of volunteer drivers that  provide transportation to and from medical appointments.  If they cannot find a volunteer, they also have a Taxi Grant program ($300 worth of vouchers)  Near the end and a few weeks after treatment, when they couldn't find a volunteer driver, I was able to use the Taxi Grant program---a huge deluxe Chrysler limo. comfortable and always on time.  This was arranged through the social workers at my hospital.

     

    It is a good idea to connect with the social workers; they usually know about local resources...transportation, meal deliveries,etc.  Check out your center for nutrition support, counseling, support services etc.

    I didn't take any supplements...the nurses supplied me with cream samples(Aquaphor and later some stronger creams) pads,etc.

    Make your wishes and needs known;hopefully you are being treated at a caring center.

  • 02021992
    02021992 Member Posts: 12
    #6
    Thanks Tanda, I'll bring my

    Thanks Tanda, I'll bring my concerns to the Pt liason.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #7
    02021992

    I was able to drive myself to treatment up until the last week.  You may be able to as well, but have a back up plan in place just in case.  You've gotten some good suggestions above.

  • Ohmy
    Ohmy Member Posts: 102 Member
    #8
    I drank kefir during and

    I drank kefir during and after my treatment and I did not have a lot of diarrhea.  I was told not to take Vitamin C or E but probiotics were OK.  I still eat yogurt everyday or drink kefir.

  • 02021992
    02021992 Member Posts: 12
    #9
    Thanks for sharing about

    Thanks for sharing about kefir, I like it, but for a few last years, I exluded dairy trying to reduce inflammation that it supposedly causes, didn't save me from getting cancer though ... 

  • 02021992
    02021992 Member Posts: 12
    #10
    And i taked to a social

    And i taked to a social worker, they have van service that does pick up for treatments, thanks for suggestions.  They even offer massage,  reiki, facial, guided imagery,  wonder if I even will care about such wonderful relaxation methods.

  • etaylor22
    etaylor22 Member Posts: 4
    #11
    Dec 4th also...good luck

    I'm starting the same Dec. 4th.  I wish you good luck.  I'm terrified.  I'll think of you doing the same thing, and not feel alone.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #12
    etaylor22

    I'm sorry you have had to seek out this site for support, but I hope you will find it helpful.  Like you, I was terrified too.  That was way back in 2008 and seems like such a long time ago.  But I'm still here 9 years later and doing well.  Treatment is not fun, but is very doable.  Those of us who have been through it are here to help you get through it too, so please speak up and let us know what you need.  You are NOT alone.  I wish you all the very best--you will get through this!

  • Ohmy
    Ohmy Member Posts: 102 Member
    edited November 2017 #13
    I have not totally eliminated

    I have not totally eliminated any specific food group. I believe everything in moderation.  I try to limit red meat.  I reduce my inflammation naturally with cherries, ginger, and tumeric. Those three things relieve my aches and pains.

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