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Breast cancer and supplements

Otter975
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Hello I'm new here and it's taken me a while to pluck up the courage to do this. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in July this year, right breast stage 1a, grade 2. ER+ and PR+ and HER2 negative.

I have had a lumpectomy and just completed 5 days of radiotherapy. I am now taking Letrazole.

I also take Omega 3,6,9. Plant sterols. Mag absorb and Glucosamine with Phytodroitin. I have been trying really hard to find out if it is OK to keep taking these supplements. I'm getting mixed advice. The high street Pharmacist I spoke to didn't know, the oncology Pharmacist didn't know, my oncology doctor didn't know, radiologist told me it was fine, the medicines information at the hospital who got back to me after the radiotherapy told me there could be issues.

I am really worrying about this. On the advice of the radiologist I continued with the supplements and I eat berries for breakfast. I have read about antioxidants limiting the amount of oxygen in tissue and potentially decreasing radiation effectiveness. Have I messed up my radiotherapy? Do I continue to put the treatment at risk by eating berries and taking supplements? I have stopped the Omega 3,6,9 now as it had 5ug of vitamin D and antioxidant dl-alpha Tocopherol. I have stopped the Magnesium and the Glucosamine with Phytodroitin too. I want to keep on the plant sterols for my cholesterol and maybe take pure Glucosamine to help with joint cartilage for the Letrazole.

If anyone else has been in a similar situation and/or could offer advice I would be so grateful. I feel like I'm trying to do my best but messing up.

  • Hi, welcome and sorry you find yourself here.

    I have seen another thread discussing supplements and there are suggestions in there.  The link is:

    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer-forum/f/general/266455/supplements-after-treatment#

    Sending best wishes x

  • Hi Otter975, it’s great you checked about taking the supplements but not good that the pharmacist and oncologist couldn’t help.I think some supplements can interfere with how medication is absorbed. Whilst I can’t help on that, I take vitamin d (recommended by my oncologist) and eat berries. I try to include lots of fish (mainly salmon) to try and get omega oils. I have had my first yearly check up and so far all is clear. There maybe a drug and supplement interaction checker online which might help but I know some sites can lead you up the garden path so would need to be a familiar one maybe. You could try the MacMillan nurses, they maybe able to help as I’m sure it’s something they must come across time after time. I’m on tamoxifen and other than grapefruit and orange peel in marmalade they are the only things I have been told to avoid. I’m sorry I can’t help about supplements I have to admit they are not really something I would take. Hopefully someone will be along soon who can offer advice.

    Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

  • in reply to raedd

    Thanks raedd that's really helpful. I've  not used a forum before and it's wonderful to be pointed in the right direction. There's  some good info. in that link. Really appreciate it. Pray 

  • in reply to cuffcake2000

    Thank you cuffcake. I will investigate an online interaction checker and get in touch with MacMillan too. Great suggestions.

    I'm  very glad you are C free at your 1 year check. Keep eating the berries and fish, I'm  on that too.

    Thumbsup

  • Hi, I agree it’s a minefield and hard to know what’s best for you. I think integrative oncology charities like cancer active, yes to life and Penny Brohn might be helpful to explore. The only thing I remember is that bioavailable circumin with bioperine half an hour before radio can be helpful, but please do explore all for yourself to make sure you are happy with what you are taking x

  • in reply to zephyr

    Thank you

    I will look into those suggestions. Much appreciated. Thumbsup

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