Vitamin D3 supplementation during chemotherapy?

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Kkmay
Kkmay Member Posts: 156
edited February 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi

My mother who is 66 years old was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in her left breast. Her tummor is huge (around 7 CM) ER-/PR - still pathology did not release the state of HER. The treatment plan is chemotherpy (4AC + 12 T), probably followed by surgery later.

I have read several research papers online of the importance of vitamin d supplemtation and how it increased the probability of pCR by approximately threefold. However, I'm worried that this will interfere with the effectiveness of chemo. Has anyone tried supplementing with vitamin D3 during chemo and what was it helpful?

Thanking you in advance,

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited February 2019

    I was on a Vitamin D prescription (50,000 units once a week) before diagnosis and continued it during chemo. I'm not sure of whether or not it played a role in my pCR. My MO is generally against any supplements but did not have me stop it.

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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    My MO put me on D3 immediately when I was diagnosed. There was unanimity on D3 among the three consults I had. I am not aware of any reason not to take it. I took 5000IU per day and am still taking that. My naturopathic consult says you want to get your Vitamin D levels up in the 60-80 range, Upon diagnosis mine was 29 and now it's about 70. Occasionally I would get a D shot from her on top of my daily supplement.

    PS I had TNBC, which your mom may have, and I also got a pCR.

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  • Kkmay
    Kkmay Member Posts: 156
    edited February 2019

    Thank you guys for your responses! And congratulations on the pCRs!

    Just wondering did you guys take any other supplements that probably contributed to getting a pCR? Do you have any advice/recommendations?

    Can pCR happen during chemotherapy? Or is it determined after finishing the whole set of chemo sessions?

    I’m really worried about my mom and I want her to get rid of this illness as soon as possible

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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    My pCR was from chemo, confirmed by lumpectomy surgery. I did a ton to help myself and if you want details, my story is on the TNBC forum of "Members Stories." It's on the last page of that thread.

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  • Jenkins00
    Jenkins00 Member Posts: 144
    edited February 2019

    My MO started me on D3 and Calcium Carbonate before treatment then added B6 during treatment. My calcium levels were low prior and this was the first time it was checked.

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  • nanette7fl
    nanette7fl Member Posts: 469
    edited February 2019

    HI everyone. I'm Vit D deficient (and have been for the past 3 Yrs) and I take vit D3 3000IU daily and I make sure to consume some sort of dairy daily. Going outside, which isn't recommended on Taxol, for 15-20 min a day gives you about 1000IU of Vit D, which is activated by Vit A that we get in the sunlight. You get vit D from foods, sunlight and suppliments. Calcium and Vit D3 are important to each other and also our health. "Calcium and vitamin D work together to protect your bones—calcium helps build and maintain bones, while vitamin D helps your body effectively absorb calcium. So even if you're taking in enough calcium, it could be going to waste if you're deficient in vitamin D." (( https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/osteoporos... ))

    You don't have to take Calcium supplements but if you do, you don't need to take them at the same time you take your D3. I just make sure I have some sort of Dairy or calcium fortified cereal or juice every day. I've never been calcium deficient just Vit D

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