Do antioxidants interfere w/Chemo treatment?

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g94u67
g94u67 Member Posts: 436
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Does anyone know if this is true? My husband said they do.  I'm wondering because I heard the exact opposite. Antioxidants support the immune system by eliminating free radicals which can benefit cancer patients.

I am to start chemo in a few weeks.  I haven't asked my Dr. yet. Please share if you have knowledge.

 Thx Jeannine

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  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 2,466
    edited July 2008

    Hi, I just finished 8 txts of CMF for bc....I have head what you did;  in effect, the chemo is an "oxidant", you don't want to be sticking anything in there to interfere with it. 

    your husband is also right, the but time for all the antioxidants is after chemo.  Just get thru it, and then do the antioxidant stuff, but don't go nuts.  They told me a good multi vitamin is all you need.  Do not quack yourself with any over the counter stuff.  Best thing is to eat a good diet very high in fruit and veggies, don't drink at all during chemo and drink tons of water.  Three days before chemo, I eliminated my multi vitamin, then resumed them three days after chemo.  I figured better safe than sorry, I wanted to feel well during my txts and I did between them.  I didn't want to do anything to offset them, during them, hence the no vitamins during.

    Drink lots of water, you'll do just fine!!!

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited July 2008

    Jeannie,

    I took axt. through out my chemos.  My thought was $10,000 chemo and a .50 cent vitamin could turn it off.  Sorry I don't buy it.  Than guess what that would mean what we eat and supplements we use could keep us strong.  I worked full time through the last 21/2 years of treatment. (I have a very aggressive bc.)  Just don't mega dose anything. If it makes you feel better stop the day before chemo and pick them back up two to three days after chemo.  Do your own research.  Let your doctor know you want to use them and what does he consider the big no no's.  Usually it's no mega Vit C,E and K.   I could rebuild my blood in less than three to four days after 16 months of chemo.  There are some good books out there on how to eat with cancer.  I do "blend" juices and they really helped me!  Keep you stomach full of good enzymes, keeps your energy up and help with mouth sores and gum health and NO constipation (all that fiber) you get with chemo and pain meds.  I'm not talking about cancer juicing...just blending all the good stuff you can in a glass so you can enjoy the rest of your meals.

    Take control of your health.  Lot's of water is very important and going for a 1/2 walking daily.

    Flalady

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  • rock
    rock Member Posts: 1,486
    edited July 2008

    I was told by docs no antioxidants during chemo as they work against the chemo (which is itself a form of free radicals, or some such).  I am getting antioxidants by eating blueberries, tomato juice, etc. but the only supplements I'm taking are calcium citrate, Vitamin D3, fish oil, with the occasional 50 mg B6 to ward off neuropathy.

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited July 2008

    Thank you ladies,  (I knew you'd have the answers!)  I was skeptical to believe my DH but he is in the med. profession so he should know.

    I did a few researches with previous studies and the most current data I found, indicates that that the antioxidants can actually make the cancer cells stronger... so I don't want that.

    Now one last question...when you say no anti-ox, vitamins etc., during chemo is that for the entire time during 8 tx's or just while I'm I'm having TX that day?

    Appreciate the feedback and I will follow Dr's instructions.

    Jeannine

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  • Piera
    Piera Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2008

    Hi dear! I am italian but I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have IDC, a particular type: in 6 months I had 2 operations and in a few days I am starting  Chemo.

    In order your question I testify you're right! My daughter Lynn had 15 years ago a malignant cerebellar cancer and 'I' treated her with big doses of natural antioxidants.

    The doctors in London, after her Radiotherapy, certified Lynn  was a miracle, but today she is fine also with some problem in the joints, absolutely not relevant.

    I am taking morphine, unfortunately, because I am suffering too much, and I am not tolerating versus many medicines. I am taking at the moment vitamines group B for a neuropath with vit. C, a particular magnesium  and bioflavonoids for specific problems.

    I have a dear friend, a famous toxicologist, who is helping me because he is studying the cells, for my intolerance. Also for my daughter I felt in this sense and my istnct has been right.

    A lot of doctors, especially for cancer, do not believe in natural remedies: I am not stupid, I am conscious I need Chemo but, for example, my GP arranged for August a Consultation near the Homeopath Hospital, because my experience with my daughter is very impressed in my mind.

    Good luck and, if you like to write to me:      p.adamo@tin.it

    Bye! Piera

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