Vitamins/Supplements for TNBC survivors to help with fatigue.

Lady1741

Good Morning, All! I pray you are all weathering this Covid-19 Pandemic safely. I am two years out of successful treatment for my TNBC 3/2018 - BMX w/ reconstruction, oophrectomy, and final total hysterectomy. Stage 2a TNBC BRCA1 - age 59 - Also dx with Hashimoto's thyroidits 1995, Rheumatoid Arthritis (no meds taken) 2015.

I have always been active, eating healthy and organic since my early 30's. As we all know treatments are rough. I still struggle daily with the emotional aspects of what I've been through. Not doing so great, but I do the best can. I find that I have been struggling with extreme exhaustion since the end of all my treatments in 2018. I know I have a triple whammy with my other autoimmune issues. I am very confused as to which supplements/vitamins are beneficial for TNBC survivors.

I was feeling pretty good with my energy levels until this Covid-19 Lockdown. I do excercise to the best of my ability cardio and weight bearing at least 5x a week and am very active in my house, but I'm just always so tired. Labs are fine per Onco. I take a whole food organic multi-vitamin, additional Liposomal Vit C - 1,000 units/day, Vitamin d3 2,000 to 3,000 units/day, and eat very healthy (I am not a Vegan - just can't do it, but any poultry/meat is organic/grass fed, free range, etc.). I elimnated dairy from my diet over 15 years ago and am mostly Gluten Free.

I wanted to add additional B-complex supplements and possibly a beet supplement, but I hear pros and cons for TNBC patients. Any suggestions. I know we are all different and of course, I never take anything unless I run it by my doctors. I just can't take this fatigue anymore. I thought by now, I'd be up and running at my previous levels. As I said, I was feeling very good until the current Pandemic.

I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas, and of course, a kind quick prayer. Bless you all. Thank you.

Diane

santabarbarian

Maybe it's just me but I think curcumin is really important to my energy... I notice the rush I get, when I am taking it after having been off it. Great anti cancer benefits to curcumin also and great anti-inflammation properties. During treatment, I saw an Oncologist (Dr Keith Block) who is very pro-integrative measures and recommended a lot of supplements and I am still on all of them. The B he wanted me taking was B6. Also wild caught nordic fish oil, curcumin, calcium D glucarate, EGCG, Reishi Mushroom, Selenium, D3, Quercetin, Magnesium, CoEQ, and a few others.

I am right behind you having been diagnosed summer 2018.

Due to covid timing: is it possible you might also be a little depressed, which can present as "tired"? - I know I am a bit depressed, due to all the loss of company and time with buddies. Something to consider when trying to rev up again.

xxoo Stay strong!

SoulShine1969

Hi Diane-

Congratulations on being two years out from TNBC!! That’s great! I am five years out from TNBC and also BRCA1. And I also have Hashimoto’s. I don’t have RA, but I do have a few other Autoimmune Disorders. Isn’t it fun that if you have one Autoimmune Disorder, more usually follow.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re not doing so good. It is such a surreal time with Co-vid19, it’s got everyone on edge. It’s hard to feel “normal” when the world is upside down.

It’s good that you’re staying on top of your health. Exercising and eating healthy are always a good idea. Have you had your thyroid levels checked recently? Maybe your fatigue is due to low or high t3, t4 or TSA levels. I just had my Synthroid dose increased due to recent lab results. Also, you mentioned you’re taking 2000 to 3000 units of vitamin d3 daily. My Endocrinologist put me on 50,000 unit of d3 once a week, which may sound like a lot but I’ve had a constant struggle trying to keep my vitamin d level high enough. I get extremely fatigued and horrible insomnia when my vitamin D drops too low. Just some things to consider.

I hope this helps. If I can help with anything or if you need to vent let me know.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Rebecca

SoulShine1969

santabarbarian-

I totally agree that supplements do a world of good. Curcumin does have great benefits, I’ve been adding turmeric to my food for years.

I also agree that depression could be a factor too. Always good to have that checked in to.

Lady1741

Thank you for your response. I do have more routine labs coming up in a few weeks. I am going to call Onco and ask him to check levels of TSH, Vitamin D and other minerals that may be adding to my fatigue. I just get so nervous -- I won't go there. Funny, I do struggle with extreme anxiety, and was beginning to feel more energetic before the Pandemic hit us so hard. Yes. I'm sure the anxiety is adding to my sadness. Bless you. Stay strong!

Lady1741

Thank you for your response. I do have more routine labs coming up in a few weeks. I am going to call Onco and ask him to check levels of TSH, Vitamin D and other minerals that may be adding to my fatigue. I just get so nervous -- I won't go there. I have tried tumeric in the past through an Integrative MD who works with BC patients. Sadly, it did not help me with the inflammation for my RA, and actually thinned my blood more. Ugghh - my luck. I'm happy you are doing so well. Bless you and thank you for your kindness. I never took the diagnosis very well. Not that any one does, but I still struggle so much with "the new Silver Haired me." Funny, I do struggle with extreme anxiety, and was beginning to feel more energetic before the Pandemic hit us so hard. Yes. I'm sure the anxiety is adding to my sadness. Bless you. Stay strong!

Lady1741

You must be spirit sister! Funny, when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in my early 30's, the docs all said to me "No worries. Take your synthroid. You'll be good until you get into your 50's." I guess they weren't kidding. I understand now how one autoimmune disorder/disease opens the door to another. I guess they loke company - lol -- So happy to hear of your success and the success of other survivors here on this board. Thank you for your response. I do have more routine labs coming up in a few weeks. I am going to call Onco and ask him to check levels of TSH, Vitamin D and other minerals that may be adding to my fatigue. I just get so nervous -- I won't go there. Funny, I do struggle with extreme anxiety, and was beginning to feel more energetic before the Pandemic hit us so hard. Yes. I'm sure the anxiety is adding to my sadness. Bless you. Stay strong! P.S. I have a team of mental health experts too -- they shake when they see me walking into their office! lololo