radiation and vitamin suppliments

Overcomer101

Hi. I am going to start radiation (external) soon and I want to know if there are any supplements, vitamins, etc. I should take during radiation treatments. I was told by my a friend (who is also a nurse practitioner) that vitamin D3 (2000iu + per day) is something I should take during radiation. I will be asking my Radiation Oncologist, however, I've read several articles on the benefits of taking this, but also have read contradicting ones about vit. D interfering with the radiation treatment killing any cancer cells left behind after my surgery. Anyone have any experience or suggestions about this?

Keys-Plez

I asked my RO about taking super antioxidants while radiating. I had read that radiation produces a lot of free radicals so I thought antioxidants would be good. But then I also read that it's the free radicals that are doing the work on the cancer.

She said I could eat all the blueberries and food I want, but do not supplement anything. At least not without discussing it with her first.

But my MO has told me to take megadoses of calcium and D3. He didn't say how much.

My philosophy is don't supplement anything without talking to your RO (and MO) first.

Rational thought doesn't work, 'cause nothing about this whole thing is rational.

123JustMe

I agree Keys! I read that supplementing can make the cancer cells not as receptive to the radiation. Eat a healthy diet and let the radiation do it's thing.

Keys-Plez

123...I.think we're on the schedule. I start Monday for 28 sessions. We'll be comparing notes.

CAMommy

my RO said no antioxidant supplements, but healthy food is ok. So no vitamin c but oranges are ok

ShetlandPony

Here is some information that indicates vitamin D3 could be helpful during radiation, by enhancing the cancer cells' sensitivity to radiation. My radiation oncologist told me to take my vitamin D, but not anti-oxidant supplements (which I wasn't taking anyway).

http://foodforbreastcancer.com/news/vitamin-d3-sen...