Glucosamine warning

Thanks so much for the share. I am just thinking about what supplements I can now start taking but will check with my Dr before starting. I would never have thought on this as vitamins and minerals just seem so normal and safe. 
Hoping that your dreaded joint pain stays away, I had done success (pre-cancer) with magnesium oil spray direct into my calf muscles, could be worth a try

I have been on methotrexate for years (for RA) and have got used to checking every single supplement with my specialist, many complimentary therapies and supplements can have a serious effect on your medication whilst offering no more than anecdotal benefits snd overdosing on vitamins can lead to serious health complications, I’d urge anyone to not take anything additional without checking it out first x

By coincidence, I had just ordered a magnesium spray yesterday as I had my 2nd biphosphonate IV and my magnesium supplement is combined with calcium - so I can't take it just now as they have given me high strength vit D & calcium to take for a month.  Apparently, magnesium is better absorbed through the skin than orally, but I am not a doctor. Will be interesting to see if it makes a difference to the hip pain I now have (assume from the infusion yesterday)

Anna12345 After my conversation yesterday, I completely agree. I was really careful during chemo, as everything seemed to be a no-go, but I haven't been so cautious since stopping. It is worth remembering that I'm still in active treatment with drugs every day, every month and every 6 months still. The pharmacist was great, and the fact she said some things were fine was good as she was really giving me good info about what is OK and what isn't. 

Hi  Beatthebreast Epsom Salts in a bath is a brilliant way to absorb magnesium and because it’s magnesium sulfate it also helps relieve muscle aches I’ve used it for years as I have ulcerative colitis and it’s very healing, it also relaxes you and helps you sleep.

Di54 thanks for this, I have epsom salts in the house so may have a bath at some point!

Plus have you looked at the actual research evidence supporting glucosamine use in joint pains? It’s weak at best - no better than a placebo in many studies (I’ve worked for an arthritis charity). 

Magnesium spray or baths do seem to help joint pains and there is some medical evidence to support it. It’s also usually pretty harmless

Another supplement people with breast cancer should be wary of is turmeric. Studies into its effectiveness are ongoing and so far mostly inconclusive however there is some evidence it can inhibit the performance of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. In addition to that it causes excess stomach acid which can increase nausea and cause ulcers. Yet barely a day goes by without someone telling me to take it atm. No reputable cancer organisations recommend it.

Before my diagnosis the only supplement I took regularly was a “Menopace” multi-vitamin and I queried it with my BCN as it also contained soya  isoflavones, was told to stop taking it.