Vitamins and supplements while gettin RADS

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I am just curious, I am just starting my 35 RAD treatments. After my diagnosis I started taking some very good supplements (liquid multivitamin, omega's, and D3.). I know everything I read states antioxidants MAY interfere with the treatment, although this has neither been confirmed or denied by any valid study. It is bases on theory Did any of you ladies skip the supplements or did you carry on with taking them.?

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  • Worriedsickinpa
    Worriedsickinpa Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2012

    Califgirl12,

     I can only tell you what my dr. told me. He said that I should not take any supplements during  treatment.   He also said that when I come for my radiation appointment  I should not wear deodorant, powders, lotions ect. But inbetween appointments I could use a natural deodorant, without aluminum, and cornstarch powder. If I start having redness or irritation he would give me a lotion to use.  

    I have only had 9 treatment so far, without any SE yet.  But he said that it usually takes a few weeks to see SE.

     

  • Califgirl12
    Califgirl12 Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2012

    OK Thanks. My RO said a multivitamin would be ok. HE said to avoid excessive mega doses of anything. The nurses today said the same thing. I was taking a super multi with lots of extras (Alive liquid) but have since decided to take the not so super with just 100% of each recommended daily allowance. I must of been low in some nutrients prior because now my energy level is very much improved. I have completed 5 of 35 treatments, so far no SE's.

  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited April 2012

    I followed my doctor's and nurses' advice. His nurse said to eat whatever I wanted; that it would be impossible to eat enough blueberries, for example, to cause problems. But the problem, as you said, is the mega-doses of anti-oxidant supplements. FWIW, my husband knows a lot about physics and said that the principle of radiation relies on oxidation. (he said much more but that's all the stuck in my brain). So taking too many anti-oxidants reduces the effectiveness of radiation. Why go through the hassle if you're going to undercut the effectiveness? Glad to hear your energy level is better. Mine was fine for the first few weeks but the infamous fatigue caught up with me the last couple weeks. The best advice I got: walk 1/2 hr a day. (it boosts your energy and gives a slight boost to your immune system). I made it a high priority, sometimes doing it first thing in the morning to make sure I got it in. Also, in my case I ate extra protein (I'm mostly vegetarian). The protein will help your tissue heal. The protein requirement isn't as high as if you were going through chemo, but something to consider. Congrats on finishing your first five Tx! Mark those days off the calendar. Hurrah!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2012

    My instructions were not to take any AC or E, but after being pro-active in my own research I stopped taking all anti-oxidants. It seems rads work as a free-radical in your body on their seek and destroy mission, and you don't want any protection from free radicals during this time since that would interfere with the rads. Anti-oxidants protect from free-radicals. Peggy j's post had it right.

    I figure for 6.5 weeks I can do without supplemental anti-oxidants.   That won't kill me but the BC could.

    Hugs

    Claire

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