Supplements with treatment

mugsy44

is this a topic we can talk about here or is it taboo? I’ve read a lot of things and I want to support medical treatment or enhance - not replace or interfere….

moderators

Hi @mugsy44,

Yes, of course this is a good place to discuss this topic!

As you and others join in, we'd like to remind you of some articles we have on our website that you might find helpful:

• https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/diet-nutrition/dietary-supplements/suggestions
• https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/supplement-interactions-with-hormonal-tx
• https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/supplements-before-and-during-chemo-risky
• https://www.breastcancer.org/news/supplements-cannabis-research-what-to-know
• https://www.breastcancer.org/podcast/supplements-after-diagnosis

We hope this helps and that you have great conversations!

—The Mods

mugsy44

thank you for the links! Now that I’m done with chemo and surgery and will shortly start radiation….what are folks taking? I know antioxidants are a no no during radiation but wondering what’s you can take if anything

salamandra

I don't think I took anything during radiation, but my brother found a really nice salve/lotion that I used in addition to the prescription cream. The prescription stuff is great but smelly and not at all luxurious feeling, and having that salve was really nice.

Now that I'm done with radiation and in ongoing hormonal therapy, I do take a bunch of supplements. For me, treatment put me into early and abrupt menopause, so a lot of what I take is trying to help with that/symptoms of it, for hot flashes, dryness, etc.

Two sites I find really helpful for learning about possible supplemtation are:

• https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs (free)
• https://www.consumerlab.com/ (paid membership required for many of the articles and reviews, but worth it for me)

maggie15

Calendula cream/ointment was very effective and recommended by my RO’s nurse. I also used a cream designed for those undergoing radiation called My Girls which was well absorbed by the skin, effective and less messy. Don’t apply anything topical within two hours of your treatment time but you can bring the cream with you to apply afterwards. A well balanced diet with plenty of protein was recommended so supplements would not be needed. After treatment ends they can be taken again.

theprez

My daughter starts Chemo in 10 days. She will suspend taking vitamins during, but would like to take Vitamin C and Lions Mane (for brain fog) after 72 hours has passed, until her next session. For those of you who do take supplements, do you see problem with this plan?