Supplements after chemo and radio, what are you taking?

Posted by slowdo @slowdo, Dec 22, 2025

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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Profile picture for johnsmith1580 @johnsmith1580

I 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.

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@johnsmith1580
Hello! Glad to hear you're doing well. My question is who advised you as to what supplements to take? I've had chemo a couple years ago and it definitely aged me (along with the 3 bouts with cancer!). My hair is super thin, skin could use help and the overall wellness aspect! I try to eat healthy, I only have one kidney, so taking supplements scares me.

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Profile picture for 2ndjourney @2ndjourney

@johnsmith1580
Hello! Glad to hear you're doing well. My question is who advised you as to what supplements to take? I've had chemo a couple years ago and it definitely aged me (along with the 3 bouts with cancer!). My hair is super thin, skin could use help and the overall wellness aspect! I try to eat healthy, I only have one kidney, so taking supplements scares me.

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@2ndjourney My oncology team recommended or prescribed various supplements for specific side effects (biotin for skin and nails, D3 for brain fog... calcium, iron and potassium because of low levels in blood tests, etc).
Other supplements I've added from doing my own (careful) research. I make sure to list them on my medication chart so that the medical team can comment or advise if there are any contraindications or other issues with what I'm taking.
I also try to get the nutrients from my regular diet as much as possible. Salmon is great for D3 and the brain... wasn't a fan before, but have learned to love it!

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Profile picture for slowdo @slowdo

@2ndjourney My oncology team recommended or prescribed various supplements for specific side effects (biotin for skin and nails, D3 for brain fog... calcium, iron and potassium because of low levels in blood tests, etc).
Other supplements I've added from doing my own (careful) research. I make sure to list them on my medication chart so that the medical team can comment or advise if there are any contraindications or other issues with what I'm taking.
I also try to get the nutrients from my regular diet as much as possible. Salmon is great for D3 and the brain... wasn't a fan before, but have learned to love it!

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@slowdo Thank You very much!!! I've been trying to research all these things since my 2nd bout with cancer (metatized kidney cancer into my maxillary bone). It's so confusing! I will try the biotin and also look into others! Thanks again!

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