Coenzyme Q10 and Flaxseed seems to be making a big difference

[Erin]

Hello all,

Well, based on many of your posts I decided to add Coensyme Q10 (sp?) and flaxseed capsules to the fish oil I already take. I started it a few days after my last round almost 3 weeks ago, and I have to say I am amazed at the difference. I had a very hard time on days 3-10 this last time (round 4 of TCH)...sever exhaustion, lots of pain in my toes and hands, terrible diarrehea, and a big-time increase in chemo-brain issues. But, since day 10 or so I have felt MUCH better! My energy came back sooner, I have much less shortness of breath with exertion like climbing stairs, (I assume that means better rebound of my rbc's), the pain in my toes and hands is completely gone, and the diarrehea is very mild! Most importantly I had no infections anywhere. In each of my last rounds I have had something...vein infection, bladder infection, yeast infection, etc. Tomorrow is my 5th round, and today I almost feel like my old self :-). I don't know that the new supplement are why, but I can't think of any other reason.

Thanks so much for the great information and advice you all offer on this site!

[R.B.]

Here are some CoQ10 links.

It is an antioxidants amongst other things but it is complicated -there are fierce arguments about antioxidants and chemo.

Here are some CoQ10 links. As you will see and as always it is complicated. Omega three and Coq10 assist mitochondrial function and energy production part of which process produces the reactive agents that the body uses as defences, as well as energy for the body. Trials have suggested that this may be one way Omega three DHA assists too and stops proliferation. But at the same time CoQ10 is also seen as an antioxidant. So it looks as if they act as both oxidation facilitators and dampeners too depending on which hat they wear. What does appear fairly certain is that they are both essential to mitochondrial function.

How that all sits with chemo and different agents I have no idea.

I cannot give you definitive answers as I am struggling to understand too.

Great you have more energy etc. but this is a controversial area and you should read widely discuss the matter with your advisor etc.

If you find any trials / definitive answers please post them.

RB





http://www.coenzymeq10supplement.com/antioxidant.htm

http://mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q61coq10.html

http://bca.ns.ca/indice/2000/23index...mes/read/83443

http://www.cancer-survivor.org/alter...plements.shtml

http://ict.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/3/4/333