[Laurel]

Denise,

During chemo I had esophagitis and suffered severe heartburn after chemo had ended. I was on Protonix, a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium. It worked well. In fact, my Onc told me I would probably be on it for the remainder of my life. A few months after ending chemo I saw a naturopathic who told me that the Protonix would inhibit the absorption of much needed nutrients in my diet and from supplements. She suggested a powdered form of probiotic that requires refrigeration. After taking the probiotic powder for 2 weeks I was able to stop taking the Protonix. Today I put a quarter tsp in a water bottle daily and usually take a bottle with the probiotic powder to bed with me. My heartburn is very rare and usually occurs when I take a supplement too close to bedtime. It seems I can never go long without the probiotic powder in my life, but I was able to forgo the parp inhibitor. I do think the weight gain contributes to the heartburn, but woman who have gained very little post chemo experience it as well and it is quite common.

It's worth a try! You can find a bottle at your local health food store. The better quality probiotic requires refrigeration to keep the bacteria alive.