Question about supplements....help

nitewind · 08-01-2007, 08:47 AM

Hi ladies, I've read where a lot of you are taking vitamins and supplements and that you feel they are helping. I've asked my oncologist about this and he said absolutely no supplements. Now, I have a new problem. I've been diagnosed with Dry Macular Degeneration in my left eye and the specialist wants me to take something called "I-Caps" it's supposed to be a vitamin for the eye. I cannot have anything with beta carotene or vitamin "A" in it. The only cancer related drug that I am on at the moment is Herceptin. Do you think it would hurt anything to take these supplements? I want to do all I can to protect my eyesight.
Thanks for your input.
Hugs

Rupali · 08-01-2007, 08:50 AM

All I can say is that the oncologist speak what they have been trained on. Plus they have the fear of insurance malpractice.
The onc wil never suggest you any supplements til the time the pharma company doesnt say that this is what you need to sell.
I think you are in a serious need to see an Integrative medicine centre like Cancer centers of AMerica.
what part of US do you live in?

nitewind · 08-01-2007, 08:57 AM

I am in Northeast Ohio. I don't see where a supplement could hurt anything but the onc says if I develop any problems, he wants to be able to know what it's from and if I'm on supplements, he won't be able to be sure.
thanks

Believe51 · 08-01-2007, 12:56 PM

We actually went to a nutritionist to help with his weight loss & to check on supplements, really had to. They helped us with getting him to gain weight and what supplements and antioxidents to use. Of course we know that during chemo certain supplements & spices should be avoided. Through his Herceptin use he has almost free reign of supplement use and varied use of antioxidents (radiation limited his antioxident use).

Some doctors do not even recommend use of any of these things, others do not even believe the help.

Not a medical professional, but I do not think this will do any harm!!

Stay healthy and happy

Waiting For A Miracle....and commanding one NOW!!>>Believe51

chrisy · 08-01-2007, 01:05 PM

I was given pretty much free reign from my oncologist to use any and all supplements I could think of while on Herceptin alone.

You should ask your onc if the specific medication you are looking at is contraindicated with Herceptin. Since Herceptin works differently than chemo, most don't have a problem with taking antioxidants at this point.