Supplements after chemo and radio, what are you taking?

Posted by slowdo @slowdo, 6 days ago

During the last 18 months, I've been through chemo (FOLFIRINOX), radiation with capecitabine and ADT hormone therapy (Lupron). This treatment was for both rectal cancer and prostate cancer. Currently I'm taking D-3, Biotin, Zinc, B-12, Potassium, Iron and occasionally I'll add some collagen or whey protein for various side effects like neuropathy, bone density loss, skin and nail issues, low red blood cell count, low potassium level, on and on.....
I'm just curious about what supplements people are using in a similar situation. Diet, of course, should be directed at healing as well, but I'm talking about supplements.
Another factor that plays into this is the lack of appetite that most of us experience. I'm trying hard to gain weight and build muscle after losing about 30 pounds, but the ADT has knocked my PSA to undetectable, so I have to wait until my body decides to produce a little testosterone again. I understand that low T prevents muscle development.
Anyhow, I would really like to hear about your experience with various supplements and food.
...oldslowdo

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

jeanadair123 | @jeanadair123 | 4 days ago

That’s a very interesting subject, my husband had surgery for prostrate, radiation and now is on Lupron.
So far he seems to be doing well although he is quite forgetful? Since I believe he has the beginning signs of dementia I was wondering if anyone else had any issues with this? I will be following you thread for any updates regarding supplements etc. thanks

azsunshine7 | @azsunshine7 | 4 days ago

In reply to @jeanadair123 "That’s a very interesting subject, my husband had surgery for prostrate, radiation and now is on..." + (show)

@jeanadair123

Check the side effects of the drug you mentioned.

Glad to hear he is doing well!

Hugs

slowdo | @slowdo | 4 days ago

In reply to @jeanadair123 "That’s a very interesting subject, my husband had surgery for prostrate, radiation and now is on..." + (show)

@jeanadair123 Yeah, I guess I didn't mention brain fog and cognitive changes in general when I listed side effects. Chemo and Lupron have definitely messed with my brain. Was your husband getting forgetful before treatment? My memory and such were pretty good before treatment, so I know that was the cause. Hopefully it will get better with time.
So I wonder if anyone has supplement suggestions for improving cognition?
Exercise is apparently very good for brain fog.
-slowdo

slowdo | @slowdo | 4 days ago

In reply to @azsunshine7 "@jeanadair123 Check the side effects of the drug you mentioned. Glad to hear he is doing..." + (show)

@azsunshine7 Side effects of Lupron are numerous! And they include brain fog.
Do a search in the prostate cancer group... I'm sure you'll find plenty of info there. Most people taking Lupron are dealing with pretty strong side effects.
-slowdo

jeanadair123 | @jeanadair123 | 4 days ago

In reply to @slowdo "@jeanadair123 Yeah, I guess I didn't mention brain fog and cognitive changes in general when I..." + (show)

@slowdo

azsunshine7 | @azsunshine7 | 4 days ago

In reply to @jeanadair123 "@slowdo" + (show)

@jeanadair123

I don’t have prostate cancer. Im sorry to hear of all the side effects and the diagnosis. My heart goes out to you and your family.

I just looked up the side effects and saw that.
Although if he is showing signs of dementia I would follow up with a doctor for it.

I do agree exercise is so important for brain health!

Best,

jeanadair123 | @jeanadair123 | 4 days ago

When I look back I do believe he was starting to get more forgetful but then he has always been forgetful so I didn’t notice it as much? He seems okay but does seem to get irritable when he can’t remember words, what I notice the most is that a lot of things get misplaced. My favorite word is okay😁. We changed our oncologist who ordered the pet scan which showed it had spread to the uretha area, prospects are good. I haven’t mentioned the C word to him as this is his third recurrence for prostrate and he had lung cancer in the past which seems in remission. I didn’t seem any point in causing him any further stress so I just tell him it’s a preventive shot for C that the Dr suggested. We still have not seen a neurologist regarding his possible dementia as he already knows he forgets etc and I didn’t want him to go through extensive tests which my girlfriends husband had to go through she said it was very hard on him and he got very stressed doing it. He is a very happy person and I just want him to remain that way as long as he can.
By the way he is 86 and I am 77. Thanks for the info.
Merry Christmas.

slowdo | @slowdo | 3 days ago

Happy is the most important part! I understand the frustration regarding memory. I don't tend to be irritable generally, but the memory and other cognitive problems caused by treatment has made me cranky. Not all of the time but, but suddenly I'll get frustrated and angry. It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude. Your husband is lucky!
-slowdo