Why i take supplements

[bmorr7]

Hi everyone,

What an amazing thread. After all of my reading, we're thinking of the following regimen for Rachel while she's on TCH. We'll need to review all of these with our oncologist and also try to figure out the right doses. Not sure we can take all of them so if others can let us know which are the most important, pleaes let us know.

Thanks!

Ben

1. Vitamin D (to protect bones/heart)
2. Fish oil (to protect heart)
3. Coenzyme q10 (to protect heart)
4. Biotin (to protect skin/hair)
5. Alpha lipoic acid (to protect nerves)
6. Magnesium (to protect muscles/heart)
7. L-carnintine (to protect nerves/brain)
8. L-arginine (to protect heart)
9. Evening primrose oil (not sure what it's supposed to help)
10. Milk thistle (to protect liver)
11. Tumeric (not sure what it's supposed to help)
12. Green tea (not sure what it's supposed to help)
13. Aspirin

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hi Benjamin,

I am thrilled you are interested in supplementation, as I do believe it has been a part of the recipe that keeps me alive and well.

In '95 I was dx w/4th stage lobular carcinoma (L). The surgeons did a surgical biopsy of both breasts. Only the left was involved. And may I add -- when I metastasized in '98 -- Herceptin was not yet a possibility (still in clinical trials) and therefore I didn't have the benefit of receiving that which may have prevented my recurrence.

In '95 I had a mastectomy and tram flap reconstruction, on the same table. This was very important to me, and my sanity. You can read my protocol below in my signature.

In '98 I learned that I was 80% positive for HER2, which though it meant my highly aggressive bc was even more of a mountain to climb, I felt I could potentially have benefit of Herceptin to target the defective gene that has been found to be responsible for about 20% of bc.

I went with not the kinder gentler chemo (Navelbine) recommended by 1 of my oncs, and not with Taxol (a cousin of Taxotere) recommended by another of my oncs. I went with Taxotere because my 3rd onc said it was the most aggressive weapon they had in their arsenal. I DETERMINED TO TAKE THE HARDER ROAD, AND FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE!

I'd read much re supplements and integrative therapies between '95 and '98. Learned a lot. Went immediately to the integrative onc who specialized in supplements, meditation, guided imagery and working with the patient to help them heal in ways others oncs raise eyebrows over.

2 of my oncs did NOT want me to do the supplements until AFTER I was done with chemo. Because they didn't know how their properties would interact with the chemo drugs. I asked my nutritional oncologist (who I have come to adore, and who I lovingly call my nut onc) -- What do you think? He believes that DURING CHEMO IS WHEN YOU MOST NEED TO BE ON SUPPLEMENTS!! And, though it took much courage, I KNEW I was talking about MY life and MY body -- I chose to take the supplements from the getgo in '98...!

I am forewarning you that your docs are likely to frown on supplements and especially during chemo. But it is a decision you and Rachel need to make based on your gut (what I call my Inner Voice) and proceed as you feel comfortable.

I've learned much more since '98, as you can imagine. I am not a medical person but I am an avid learner and this topic is one I am strongly interested in, as a matter of Life and Death, if you will.

I imagine you've glanced through my ridiculously long list of supplements.

I always offer them to those who ask, with my dosage (as recommended by my nut onc) and I give the reason why I take each. I've googled and read up on each and every one.

I am happy to share. To encourage you to increase the odds in your favor (and of course Rachel's). Don't get caught up in dreary statistics. We are each a potential miracle.

I will tell you my Richard Bloch story one day, if you like (H & R Bloch). He beat 4th stage lung cancer back when no one was winning on that front, when his docs told him to get his affairs in order and I chose to survive anyway! There are lots of such stories. Read about those and throw the books about poor odds aside!

After to review my list in this thread -- please ask any and all questions you may have! I stand ready and more than willing to guide you as best I can.

Andi