Dr. Julie Gralow
 

I am pretty sure that someone here goes to her for their primary oncology - and I would like to get some info from her! I heard her speak at SABCS and one of her areas of specialty is bone health throughout bc treatment. One thing she spoke of is the great success with bisphosphonates and zolodronic acid rebuilding bone density. However, she stressed the importance of supplementing with the proper doseages of Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D - to be sure that not only are we regenerating brittle density, but also the trabiculae, the canaliculi, the spongy bone and the Haversian system and canal...

What I don't know, as I approach starting Zometa in the coming month, is what is the appropriate dosaging of the Cal/Mag/D?

Any suggestions and info would be appreciated, but I would love to know Dr. Gralow's recommendation!

I believe StephN is a patient of Dr. Gralow.

Regards
Joe

Hi,

I don't have the information on the doctor. I did ask at my doctor's office about what to take as they have a specialist on staff. She suggested NewChapter plant sourced whole-food Calcium. I plan to ask my local health food store to order it if they don't already carry it.

I look forward to hearing other comments.

Carolyn

Yes, StephN. sees Dr. Gralow
 

I also thought she was awesome - I saw her at other of the satellite symposiums, too

Brenda,
I was told 1,500 on the calicum to be taken three times per day 500
per dose.

2,000 on the Vit. d3...also broken down throughout the day.

On the magnesium I was not given a dosage guide but I am taking 400 mg. per day.

Remember not to take Vit. B6 or B complex with the Calicum.
Good Luck with the Zometa,

Hugs,
Jean

Hi,
I am a drug rep. I sell Boniva which is a bisphosphonate. We have speakers who are usually Endo's or Rheum. The Endo's seem to have more info on vitamin deficiancy and supplimentation. If you cant get in touch with that Doc, I would suggest seeing an endocrinologist.

Hi -
Yes, bone health is one of Dr. Gralow's special interests. I took Zometa for quite a while and my last bone scan showed increased density in my hips and spine, so we did not get into specific dosing for me. I am no longer in a danger zone.
I try to get calcium from my diet.

BYW - Our Christine here is a nutritionist and can very well answer this question. I know she is on a bone health regimen. While taking Zometa you may not need big doses of calcium, etc.

P.S. I have only been seeing her for less than a year and a half. My original med onc left the area, but worked with her since she arrived here from back east.

Hi Brenda-
I take 5000 IU of Vitamin D a day - all at once w/largest meal. All my vites by Douglas Laboratories. My doc checks the vitamin D levels and is trying to get me up in the normal range. I've been gradually adding since last March. BTW-I DO get outside quite a bit and never wear sunscreen and still the D is low.

I also take CALCIGARD Two-to-One plus Vitamin D by same company.

These are all part of a long list prescribed my Integrative Oncology Doc at UCLA. UCLA stocks this brand for this Doctor however a friend of mine is a chiropractor and can order them wholesale for me which is MUCH better to say the least.

I also use their Whey protein Isolate everyday in my fruit shakes.

Hope you are doing well! I am determined to have a quiet week:)
xoxo Flori

B6 question
 

Jean stated: "Remember not to take Vit. B6 or B complex with the Calicum."

Jean, could you or anyone tell me why?

Thanks for any info.