Circulating tumor cells to determine risk of recurrence

I take 5mg melatonin and was told that was a high dose! Melatonin is not without side effects, I was also told. See below. I believe we also should not take it for too long. It makes me drowsy in the am and affects my memory, even at 3mg.

Common side effects
Dizziness
Headache disorder
Sedation hangover effect
Concentration difficulty
Hypotension
Irritability
Depression
Tremor
Symptoms of anxiety
Abdominal pain with cramps
Acute confusion
CNS depression
Nausea
Vomiting

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly
Headache
Dizziness
Shaking
Nausea
Abdominal cramps

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur
Mental/mood changes

very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
Rash
Itching/swelling
Severe dizziness
Trouble breathing

My onoc at Dana Farber says they do not routinely check blood for Stage 1. I will ask when I see her in October and stay in touch - xoxo

I am interested in this information about melatonin. Is this something that your dr prescribed for you? I have tried melatonin for sleep issues.

@sirene My docs think 5mg of melatonin is too high! I have also been told, and read, that it is not for long term use.

Thanks for the information. My dr had said to try it for sleep problems. It helps me to fall asleep but I don't stay asleep on it.

ITdoes not make me sleepy No side effects Iknow 3 people on that dose not sign of cancer spread

It effects every body diferent My son can't take it either,it keeps makes him sleepy the next day

Hi all,
With respect to melatonin in the treatment of cancer, I have found more information:

- Information about Melatonin from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/melatonin

EXCERPT
Melatonin is used to:
- Treat insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Treat side effects of chemotherapy such as low platelet counts, weakness, and depression
- Keep blood counts from getting low due to radiotherapy
- Treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Treat migraines
- Treat insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder

Melatonin also has other uses that haven’t been studied by doctors to see if they work.

- Melatonin and Breast Cancer: Is it Safe and Can it Help? https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/is-melatonin-safe-for-breast-cancer-patients

Please read the studies cited in the above article carefully. Many of the studies have not yet been tested on humans, but rather only in labs (in vitro) or mice (in vivo). Melatonin has potential anti-cancer properties. But the results of clinical trials in human breast cancer therapy are insufficient.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements. They can interact with some medications and affect how they work.

IMPORTANT: Talk with your healthcare provider if you have hormone-sensitive cancer like breast or prostate cancer. Melatonin can change the amount of estrogen in your body. This may worsen your condition.

I was diagnosed with stage 2B her2+ estrogen+ breast cancer in November 2020. I was involved in a clinical trial at Vanderbilt. In January 2021 I did neoadjuvant chemo, surgery then chemo and targeted therapy for a year. I am still doing hormone therapy.
I will have the blood test next week. I am hopeful this new blood test can either give me piece of mind or a heads up if I am headed toward recurrence. Either was I think this test is a good thing that will help many in the future.
- Michelle Shutt

@seathink you misunderstood my post. I am fully aware of what stage 4 is. What I meant is that after 10 years since diagnosis, as risk continues to rise (with hormonal cancers) my doctors offer no way to diagnose any spread other than symptoms." The main symptom they mention is focal, persistent new pain. I have arthritis with bone spurs (pressing on nerves) and 7 spinal fractures so that criterion is not particularly helpful.

I recently saw an oncology surgeon to evaluate a small lump and asked about this. She said they used to do annual bone scans but recurrence rates have decreased and they stopped. I asked what other approaches were available and she answered about the focal pain.

Every stage 4 I know or have read about on forums, had their metastasis discovered in imaging for another reason. I can't do contrast and my reports say they cannot detect tumors w/out contrast so that is out too.