Vitamin D deficiency?

I had the same mindset however now there are studies showing there is no link. It's hard to know what is correct and what isn't. I think it is too coincindental that alot of women here have low Vit. D levels and BC. Mine was 18! In the toilet. I take 10K IU's/ day to try to recoup. They want my levels over 60. I think it should be part of a routine physical exam to check vit d levels but it is kind of a newer link/finding and there is info to disprove the connection.

Here's an interesting post from the doctor that found my low vit d status. She is a BC survivor herself.

http://cchealth.clevelandclinic.org/be-well-enews/vitamin-d-q?utm_campaign=bewellenews&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bewell110119&utm_content=vit+d

   Good morning all:)  It amazes me how many family doctors/practitioners do not check Vitamin D levels as part of a annual physical.

   I found the same thing with DEXA or bone density scans.  I had my first Bone Density scan  done about 3 year's before being diagnosed with BC.  I was then a stage 3 for Osteoporosis, and was put on Boniva, and 600 MG Calcium daily.  One year later, I had to go in and request this be done...and bone density T scores had gotten worse. 

   In July 2009 I was diagnosed with BC.  After speaking to Oncologost, I went to family doctor and asked for a Vitamin D level check-this came back as an 8!  

   My Oncologist shared with me that:  Even though I was taking Boniva and Calcium, due to my really low Vitamin D level, the Calcium did not bond to my bones.  She said having adequate Vitamin D levels, were and are important in order for Calcium to bond to our bones/be absorbed as it should be.

   I started out taking perscription strength 25,000 IU Vitamin D, and am now taking 5,000 IU daily-over the counter.

   I also do a infusion 1 x a year, at Oncologist office to strengthen bones, as a SE of the Femara I am on can be bone weakening.

   I also found that family doctors believe a Vitamin D level of 20 is sufficient...and Oncologists like to see this at 40-60, at least.  So we have to sometimes be our own advocates when it comes to what family doctors say in regards to Vitamin D levels and, what Oncologists say as far, as what are sufficient Vitamin D levels.

   I also have a 20 year old daughter, who I have taking 2000 IU Vitamin D daily, since finding out how important Vitamin D is.  Not just important to bones, but heart and many other areas of our bodies.

   We must educate our families, friends, ect on this.  At least try to!  Have a great day all! 

  Wow I didn't know this dlb...thank you for this info:))

I'm taking 4000 IUI's of vitamin D, as I am also deficient.  I was on 2000, but it wasn't enough.  My levels are more normal now. 

Deanna, thank you for posting that info on the proper dosage.  I was taking my 2 pills at the same time, but started splitting it up into 2 doses today.  I just thought it might be better and am glad to read this post. 

Yes a Vit-D taker over here. I was in the high 20s when first dx, now I am in the 40's range.

I also experienced Vitamin D deficiency.  Found it about 18mons. or 2 yrs. before being dx w/ bc.  I still take the vit. D (prescription) of 50,000 IU once weekly.  Approved and ordered by both my PCP and my Onco.  It's time for another check on my levels. If it isn't one thing to check on, it's another :-)

Vitamin D has really not been determined the over dose from what I read.  I do take more than the average because I was diagnosed with osterporsis in 2001.  Since I have been taking vit D the last 2 years, my bones have become more dense and I feel much more healthier in them.  I dont fracture or hurt as easyly either.     I physically am more stronger now as well.  Yes, I can tell when my bones are lacking. I am very sensitive.  Just my opininon on the vit d.   Please let me know what exactly you know in that regards. 

While I was on chemo my oncologist checked my Vit D levels and it was low (below 20). However because I have a history of kidney stones (which vitamin D and/or calcium supplements can contribute to) I would not agree to take more than 400 units a day and to be honest I "accidentally" skipped it more days than I took it. Anyone who has had kidney stones will relate to the desire to avoid ANYTHING that might cause that kind of agony again!!



Anyway, a few months ago my oncologist told me the same thing that carcharm said: There are now new studies that call the previous ones (that showed a link) into serious question. Therefore (this is a quote) "Many oncologists are now backing away from the connection."



I do wonder if the presence of BC cells themselves have an effect on the body's level of Vitamin D. IMHO it is quite possible, since most women are never tested for D until after they have had a BC diagnosis. Is it possible that part of the body's response to the presence of the cancer cells in the bloodstream (even before there is a detectable tumor) is to depress Vit D levels? In other words the cancer cells might cause the low level of D, not the other way around.



By the way, just for my own curiosity I had my Vit D tested 5 months after I finished my year of TH; it was up to 50 and that's with taking 400 units only 4 or 5 days a week (if that). I wasn't very conscientious about it to say the least. So I even wonder if certain chemos can also depress the blood levels of Vitamin D.