HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Are antioxidant supplements contraindicated?

Lolly · 01-03-2008, 01:06 PM

My onc has said not to take mega doses of anything, especially while on chemo. He feels whole foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants are ok, but that evidence is showing that anti-oxidant supplements while on chemo can actually help the cancer cells rejuvinate themselves, just as a normal cell will be helped. So, I don't take anything without running it by him, as I'm always on chemo. The supplements he's ok'd for me include: acidophilus, melatonin, Co-Q10(100 mg), B6(50 mg 2 x's a day), calcium, magnesium, and Vit. D.
Don't know if this applies to hormonals, but you should ask your onc. Some here go to nutritionists for counsel while on treatment, just would need to find one who specializes in BC patients.

<3 Lolly

01-03-2008, 01:06 PM	#3
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	My onc has said not to take mega doses of anything, especially while on chemo. He feels whole foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants are ok, but that evidence is showing that anti-oxidant supplements while on chemo can actually help the cancer cells rejuvinate themselves, just as a normal cell will be helped. So, I don't take anything without running it by him, as I'm always on chemo. The supplements he's ok'd for me include: acidophilus, melatonin, Co-Q10(100 mg), B6(50 mg 2 x's a day), calcium, magnesium, and Vit. D. Don't know if this applies to hormonals, but you should ask your onc. Some here go to nutritionists for counsel while on treatment, just would need to find one who specializes in BC patients. <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.