I have Stage 4B Non-Hodgkin T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL), a fairly uncommon subtype. I have just finished my 6th round of 6 Pola-R-CHP chemotherapy yesterday. Yet to have my post treatment PET-CT scan where I'm hopeful I will at least be in partial remission, and if lucky in full, given my 4 round scan results.
After a fair amount of research in the early days I chose not to take any complementary supplements (e.g. curcumin, matcha, Coenzyme Q10...) for fear of impacting the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatment (namely what would protect the healthy cells from oxidative stress could stop the chemo from working effectively). I understand there are conflicting views and some lack of consensus on this subject. Ultimately I decided to stick with what I perceive to be the mainstream medical view and implemented a strong rainbow diet, healthy fats, protein and limiting the consumption of UPF, red meat...
My question does anyone know at what point the cumulative chemotherapy will typically cease to impact cancerous cells? And when I might think about taking some of the less controversial antioxidant supplements (after more research as some studies suggest higher recurrence & mortality even if consumed posted treatment).
I appreciate everyone is on their own journey and will have their own views when it comes to complementary supplements. What I would massively appreciate is hearing from anyone who has researched into this subject and checked on the efficacy of the methodologies used in cited research (many suffer from low levels of significance or tests were only in non-humans...) and could point towards those studies.
Many thanks in advance to those who respond.
Hi again Mark Mark D and well done getting through your treatment.
Generally it takes about 48 to 72 hours for your body to break down and/or get rid of most chemo drugs.
But as we know the effects of the chemo on your growth areas and your general immune system will last for weeks….. but the more chemo you have the longer the recovery can take so by the end of treatment it could take a few months this to recover completely…… and this is why post treatment scans are held back for about 6 weeks.
The only supplement I take is AdcalD3 and this was prescribed by my team when I finished treatment 10 years back and I get it on repeat prescription….. this and a healthy balanced diet and an active lifestyle is I have done.
I had meetings with both my Consultant and the unit Dieticians at the end of treatment and they were not anti -supplements but advised caution as in reality our body, metabolism, immune system is ‘not normal’ post significant Lymphoma treatments and the apple cart is easily upset.
I had a lot of infections over the first 2 years post treatment…… but I did have 2 Allogeneic SCTs so my body took a hit.
But apart from a few winter infections that are stopped in their tracks as I have 2 sets of antibiotics on repeat prescription that I can take when I feel it’s needed I am living a great healthy life.
