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Supplements after chemo and radio, what are you taking?
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
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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
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1 Reaction@jeanadair123
Check the side effects of the drug you mentioned.
Glad to hear he is doing well!
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1 Reaction@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
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2 Reactions@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
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3 Reactions@slowdo
@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,
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.
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6 ReactionsHappy 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
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2 ReactionsI had whipple followed with folfirinox and finally radiation. Treatment completed almost two years now. Stage 3 ampullary cancer. No signs of recurrence yet. Once cleared by my oncologist to start taking supplements (a few weeks after completing treatment) I started on the following regimen from Novoslabs (https://novoslabs.com/): Novos Core and Novos Vital (no Novos Boost for me because of the possibility that NMN supplementation may fuel cancer cells). I also started following the additional supplement protocol recommended on their website: https://novoslabs.com/best-food-supplements-to-take-even-when-you-eat-healthy/
I try to follow their dietary recommendations which is essentially a Mediterranean diet. The supplement list is pretty long so I recommend checking out their website which has a full description of what each of their offerings contain and the article I linked to describes the additional supplement recommendations.
Also, about 6 months ago I began taking R-ALA, NAC, and ALCAR for neuropathy, which was pretty bad in my feet. Still there but significantly improved.
I lost 45 lbs over the course of my illness and have gained 25 lbs back, which is fine for me as I’m now consistently at my high school weight. I also meditate and do yoga, light running, cycling, and weight training. I had to ease back into exercise over time even though I have been very athletic since childhood (I’m just about to turn 61). My approach: stress management, healthy diet, supplementation, and regular exercise. My focus is on improving flexibility, physical strength, and mental focus. I make sure I’m getting plenty of water and protein, sometimes in the form of shakes and often adding creatine. I’ve gone from appearing and being deathly ill to appearing and being physically fit. I think the key has been consistency in my routine, determination, and patience. I wish you the best.
@slowdo @jeanadair123 and others, have you considered consulting with integrative oncology specialists?
More and more cancer centers and oncology specialists are open to discussing and integrating complementary medicine in programs called Integrative Medicine or Integrative Oncology. Integrative medicine can guide you to supplements, therapies and approaches that help manage cancer treatment lasting side effects. Integrative medicince is offered at many cancer centers of excellence, including Mayo Clinic.
Here's a link to more information about Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine programs
– Integrative Medicine and Health https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567
In this Mayo Clinic Q & A Podcast. Dr. D'Andre talks about how integrative oncology can be incorporated into conventional cancer care at Mayo Clinic.
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