My Serum Gamma came back from the Lab with a high reading of 244. I began looking for supplements like Milk Thistle to help but upon researching this and other supplements, it advised not to take these if you have suffered Breast Cancer ( of which i had stage 3 , 4½ years ago).
Could someone please advise me of any helpful supplements which won't be intrusive or harmful.
Thank you in anticipation.
Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer support through our Ask A Nurse platform. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.
I’m not sure of the reason for the serum gamma to be checked, whether this was arranged by your GP or hospital team, but there can be different reasons for this to be raised. Any guidance about the management or monitoring of blood test results should come from the team who requested the test to be carried out.
We wouldn’t recommend taking any supplements or herbal products without the agreement of your GP or clinical team. Though they can seem harmless, as they are usually available without a prescription, some can interact with medicines and affect existing health conditions. This includes vitamins and minerals on supermarket shelves too.
Eating a balanced diet provides most people with all the essential nutrients they need, unless they have conditions that affect their uptake.
To help, we have information about healthy eating that you can read online or order as a booklet. The World Cancer Research fund, who advise against supplements, have great resources for information about eating well that might be helpful to look at too. They also have oncology specialist dieticians that you can contact for general guidance with nutrition.
Penny Brohn also has good support that you can access online. This includes an extensive calendar of nutrition and wellbeing activities as well as 1-2-1 support. Where possible they do ask for donations to allow them to reach more people.
Even though these resources and services are available it is still best to speak with your GP or breast care team first should any supplements be recommended.
Take care and best wishes,
Linda (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: LM/RH
