To deneenb: Re: Antioxidants

Bert took a multi vitamin and Celebrex (as Bud recommended) but that was it. No extra vitamin C, E, B's, Eccinacia (? sp), etc. When he first started, with his old onc, he was on six months of 5FU/Leucavorin at a very high dose and this onc didn't really even ask him if he was taking any supplements...so he just kind of continued. The protocol of once a week for six weeks and then two weeks of for a total of three six week periods landed Bert in the hospital with a severe colon infection and then almost landed him in the hospital again over Christmas/New Year because of such severe diarrhea that nothing but three shots a day in the abdomen of something (can't remember now) could control it. In January, when Bert was technical done with the protocol treatment for stage III colon cancer, we switched oncologist and one of the first things he asked was what supplements he was taking. You know the rest. He was put on another protocol, many times given only to stage IV's because of his high risk for recurrence (four nodes involved). The new onc decided we would try to three months of 5FU/Leucavorin and Oxaliplatin added to the combo. Ideally, six months every other week would have been the treatment, but the onc felt because Bert had already gone through six months of just the 5FU/Leucavorin that he wouldn't make a full six months without some problems. As it turned out, Bert was able to complete the entire six months with minimal discomfort. He worked every day of treatment and his body, as a whole, tolerated it real well. He was given Leucavorin and Oxilaplatin via drip over a period of 3-4 hours and then 5FU via 46 hour pump. He is now done and has been off chemo since July 9...exactly one year to the date from diagnosis of stage III colon cancer.

How much a role not taking the antioxadants while in treatment played I do not know, but again, I trust this second oncologist completely and have a high regard and respect for his knowlege, expertise, and treatment plans. Bert did keep to a fairly healthy diet....no, he didn't turn health nut overnight, but as I mentioned before, he has always eaten lots and lots of vegetables and fruit and fiber...has been active most of his adult life, taken all the antioxadants you can think of, including cancer fighting ones, and ended up with colon cancer anyway.

Hope this all answers your questions. Bert continues to do well, eats well, but healthy....limited big meals...more small meals throughout the day, maintains his weight, etc.

Take care and know that whatever decision is made, it will be what your dad thinks is best.

Hugs,
Monika