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Survivors who had chemo etc and are into Complementary medicine

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Comments

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    I take coQ10 too for my heart.  Stopped during chemo/rads though per onc's instructions.

  • Yazmin
    Yazmin Member Posts: 218
    edited August 2011
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    Ladies:

    Thank you for the information on IDC/ILC and wine. 

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited August 2011
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    Any time, Yazmin!  BTW, I like your Tweety Bird avatar -- it always makes me smile.  :)

    otter

  • TMarina
    TMarina Member Posts: 297
    edited August 2011
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    I just started taking CoQ10.  There is a study going on right now to see if it protects the heart while getting Adriamycin.  I had that chemo and am currently getting Herceptin, so I thought it might be a good idea to take it.  I read a lot of good things about it.

  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2011
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    Hi ladies,



    I met with a naturopathic oncologist a couple of days ago. I have a great medical oncologist, but I wanted to make sure that I was taking the correct supplements and was purchasing a good brand of vitamins. Also, just curious as to what he had to say. So glad I met with him. He did some additional blood tests that my medical onc doesn't do and rx'ed me multivitamins based on the results. I have to say that I was pretty pleased that I was already taking the supplements he recommends and eating the right foods. If you have a naturopathic onc in your area, I highly recommend it.

    V

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    vmarie - What did he recommend as far as supplements?
  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2011
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    Omaz

    Melatonin 10mg at night
    bromerlain/curcumin 800 mg upon waking then 800 mg afternoon, empty stomach
    Vit c. 1000 mg 3x a day with food
    Vit D 5000 and fishoil 2000-3000mg taken together with breakfast

    multiple vitamin based on my blood work.

    Also, he recommended these brands of vitamins when purchasing:

    Natural factors, Carlsons, Ethical Nutrients, Nature's Way, Spectrum

    I know this industry isn't regulated nearly as much as it should be, so I was pleased to get some recommendations.

    V

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited August 2011
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    I take red yeast rice with CoQ10. So far, my cholesterol has dropped below my usual borderline high and I am feeling fine. Great advice from you onc, V. I am taking those already and most of mine are Natures Way. Good info.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503
    edited August 2011
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    Just info here.  If you want a free subscription to CURE magazine all you have to do is go to their website curetoday.com and sign up for your free subscription. I found it at my MO's office as they always have copies laying around and decided to get my own.  They have good articles. MY RO office did not have these and neither did my first MO, makes me wonder if they did not want me to be educated?

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    Thanks vmarie !  I use Carlsons vitamins so that is encouraging to see it among the recommended brands.  I need to up my vitamin C.
  • socallisa
    socallisa Member Posts: 10,184
    edited August 2011
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    I just bought some of the CoQ10 at costco, it was on special..they also had red yeast and a few others I get my calcium citrate there, vitD3, and multis there..I will have to check with my liver specialist to see if I can take the red yeast

  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 486
    edited August 2011
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    Can someone educate me on what CoQ10 is good for?

  • barbaraa
    barbaraa Member Posts: 3,548
    edited August 2011
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    It protects the heart and can cause reveral of heart problems. Also, if you take a statin or red yeast rice (a natural statin) you need it because the statin leeches it out of the body.

  • lee7
    lee7 Member Posts: 204
    edited August 2011
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    Just wanted to say I think Vitamin D3 helps a lot!  Got mine tested 3 months ago and it was only 27. I started taking D3 and my latest test came back a 67.  I think it has helped ease some of the SE's of Arimidex. 

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 4,503
    edited August 2011
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    My D started out in the low 30's and a couple of months ago was in the high 50's and I am sure it is higher now.  My left hip has finally stopped hurting so I wonder if the D level has anything to do with it.

  • Ang7
    Ang7 Member Posts: 568
    edited August 2011
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    Sherryc~

    That is sort of funny because my left hip was hurting after chemo and finally stopped hurting after I started taking Vit D for about a month...

  • Yazmin
    Yazmin Member Posts: 218
    edited August 2011
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    Otter:

    Thank you for the link. And those "kissing" otters are just tooo cute, too. 

  • proudmom_wife
    proudmom_wife Member Posts: 176
    edited August 2011
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    Trying to catch up.  Was on vacation, which was nice, but I am tired now.  Need a few days to recover. 

    HappyTrisha - Welcome! I haven't tried the turmeric supplement yet, I am drinking turmeric tea w/ginger, but am thinking of switching, at least occassionally because I am not into drinking hot drinks during the summer. What brand are you taking and how much?

    SoCalLisa - Yes I am taking CoQ10 on a daily basis per oncologist recommendation.  Started taking it before chemo started, and have been taking it everyday since.

    lee7 - My oncologist had recommended Vitamin D3, since my levels were 17. Took 2000 IU a day, and now about 2 months later my levels are up to 29. She said to continue until my next appointment and then we might reduce it to 1000 IU.

    I am still taking Vitamin B6/B12 to help prevent neuropathy, since I read it can still occur several months after finishing with Taxol.  But does anyone know how long neuropathy can occur after finishing Taxol?

  • beau
    beau Member Posts: 149
    edited August 2011
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    Hi Proud Mom,

    I don't know how long it takes for your body to fullly recover, but my approach was to give it a year after finishing chemo. In my case, I thought that I had escaped the worst of neuropathy (and so I have), but I wore high heels to a coctail party a month after chemo and they lit my feet on fire. I spent 3 days in bed; nothing could touch my feet. I also burned my hand because I was slow to feel the heat come through a busted oven glove, again a month out from treatment.

    I took b6 the whole time through chemo and 9 months later, I am still taking it. I hardly notice my neuropathy now, except on really hot days if i walk a lot, my feet bother me (but way less than they used to. ) I suspect that if you got through chemo with few problems, then you are going to be just fine and can stop whenever you choose to. If you are having any troubles, then stay on it for a while since it seems to be beneficial. Good Luck!! Beau 

  • katsOK
    katsOK Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2011
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    Do you need to take the CoQ10 at the same time as the statin, for some reason I take them 12 hours apart.  Do I need to change that or does it stay in body a while?  

  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited August 2011
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    Pround mom, 3 1/2 weeks after I finished Taxotere I had a follow up MRI and MUGA scan. It took 3 injections to complete these tests...the next morning I had the "needles stabbing" my feet sensation and have had trouble with my feet since then (3 weeks ago). I think the crap they injected me with triggered the neuropathy. I also have a cold and hot sensitivity in my hands and feet. (Oh darn, I can't wash the dishes!) I started taking B complex the week before I began taxotere. 3 weeks ago I added B1 and extra B12 hoping to get the foot pain under control.  My BS says that it should be better in 2 to 3 months. Ugh!  I like to walk but the pain has squashed that for now!  I hope you are lucky and don't get it!

  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 46,997
    edited August 2011
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    Someone on another thread mentioned that she eats molasses every day to build up her red blood cells. I did some digging and found some more interesting facts about molasses (I also just tried the recipe and it tastes pretty good):

    Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of manganese and copper. It is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, blackstrap molasses is a good source of vitamin B6 and selenium.

    Look for blackstrap molasses that is unsulphured since not only does it not contain this processing chemical to which some people are sensitive, but it has a cleaner and more clarified taste. Blackstrap molasses made from organic sugar cane is also available in some markets.

    Molasses should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place. Unopened containers should keep for about one year, while opened containers should keep for about six months.

    ICED MOLASSES RECIPE:
    1 TBLS Blackstrap Molasses
    Hot Water
    3/4 cup Milk
    Ice

    Add molasses to a glass and add just enough hot water to cover the molasses. Stir until dissolved. Add ice and then top off with Milk. Even yummier is to blend the whole concoction. 

  • claire_in_seattle
    claire_in_seattle Member Posts: 2,793
    edited August 2011
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    What about putting it on oatmeal???  Then it would be like starting the day with an oatmeal cookie.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    Trader joes just started carrying some rolled oats from Canada, I had it this morning with slivered almonds and raisens - it was good.

  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 46,997
    edited August 2011
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    and then there are molasses cookies............

  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2011
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    One thing I have done to add more good stuff to my diet is create an interesting breakfast cereal.  I get a non-instant Irish oatmeal that can be cooked easily in the microwave, I add ground flax seeds, chia seeds, curry, walnuts and dried cherries and one more thing I can't remember.  Gives me a good boost of fiber, Omega 3s and anit oxidants and that only sugar is from the cherries and I try to find the unsweetened kind.  I usually forget one ingrediant each time I make it and might swich out the nuts or the dried fruit.

     I also try to cook grains in green tea. Not sure if it helps but it seems like it should.

    I put raw apple cider vingar into lots of things, even mixing it with water as a drink, sometimes with chia seed, but I love vinigar.

     I do Reiki to myself every week day on the way to work.

    I was exercising daily on the Wii until summer hit, have to get back to that.

    I pay attention to my breath. Took me a year of weekly yoga classes at my hospital to learn to breath through my nose but I really think breathing this way helps me stay calm and healthy.  

     I have started eatting mushrooms even though I don't really like them.

    I try to use lots of spices and eat more fruits and veggies.

     

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    Renrel - What is Reiki?  I have seen it offered various places.
  • Renrel
    Renrel Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2011
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    Reiki is a form of energy work.  The idea being that you channel univeral healing energy into your or anothers persons body, life, ect.  It sounds weird but I I got myself attuned so I could channel the energy and I swear there are times I can feel the energy moving through my hands and everyone comments on how hot my hands are when I treat them, and most of the time I am not even touching them.  I gave it to a woman at work who hurt her knee and did not have time to go to the doctor. She swears I healed her and gave me a $25 gift certificate in thanks.  I gave it to a woman at the hospital freaking about her first chemo and she told me it was better than attivan. My husband is not a believer but admits he sleeps better on the nights I treat him. 

    I thought it was the one treatment I would not go near when I first read about it.  Sounded like some silly hocus pocus.  I  decided to give it a chance after I met a woman who did not believe in it but let her mom and a church lady treat her to make them feel usefui but the week after the treatment her liver numbers, which had been totally kicked to the ground by the chemo and drugs that make chemo barable, recovered so much her doctor was shocked and wanted to know what she did.  Then I thought about my concept of G-d and how it is the interconnectness of everything and everyone.  Then I thought about what pray or wishing good to someone is.  And decided I should open my mind a bit more toward this weird idea, since it seemed to be another form of what I actaully already believed.  While there a many people who charge for the treatments there are others like me who just offer it as a gift when it seems like it might help. 

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
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    Thanks Renrel - That is interesting.  Maybe I'll try it!
  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 46,997
    edited August 2011
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    I have been adding slivered almonds and dried cranberries to salads, cereals, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches etc.

    Tonight I made the most delicious roasted veggies. I cut up a bunch of different veggies, stirred together some olive oil and some taco seasoning mix, lightly coated the veggies with it, put it all on a cookie sheet and baked for 30 minutes at 450 (stirring once). Fantastic! You could try different seasoning mixes for different tastes (Italian etc.). I didn't even want to eat anything except the vegetables.....which is a rare statement for me to make!!!

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