immune system

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

I need help understanding this.

I asked my radiologist if I should take vitamins and he said no because that could make the cancer grow more.

But I see that they want you to improve your immune system. So isn't that what vitamins do?

Thanks,
Sheila

brainman · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 1:22 am Post subject: Re: immune system

Sheila, your radiologist's reply seem to me to be wrong. I would consult with my oncologist on this subject. I know that my oncologist gave my a long list of vitamins that I should take.

However, I had been cancer and not colorectal cancer so you really should consult with your own medical team on this issue. Sheila, please let us know what you find out. That information might help many other members.
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1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
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milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

I know it doesn't sound correct does it? I asked him in particular because my brother sells this berry juice from the Amazon that has all kinds of antioxidants and the radiologist told me to stay away from that while I was on radiation. He said for me to take only a multi vitamin.

I had been taking lots of vitamin C because of the cancer benefits I had read about. He told me to stop that too.

I will ask the oncologist when I see her next week.

Milliesmom

brainman · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 10:24 am Post subject: Re: immune system

OK, your last message makes the situation a little clearer. Antioxidants might interact with some forms of chemotherapy rendering chemotherapy useless.

Another person who you might want to speak with about this interaction is your Pharmacist. He/she knows all the medications you are taking and probably knows more about side-effects and interactions than even your doctor. If there is a danger of interaction, your Pharmacist will also be able to direct you to alternative vitamins or supplements to keep your immune system strong. Pharmacists are not just "pill pushers" Wink

.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

milliesmom · Regular Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 33

Thanks,
My pharmacy knows me quite well since I am on drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid and migraines. Plus, I've been going there for ten years now.

I'll ask. The radiologist did say I could eat berries, just couldn't drink that juice.

Milliesmom

Vee Smith · Moderator Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 631 Location: UK

Such a can of worms, supplements and cancer treatment.

This site has some interesting observations about radiotherapy and certain supplements which you might like to raise with your oncologist: http://www.canceractive.com/page.php?n=178

The views are those of the group involved in this charity, and not necessarily acceptable to the medical profession Cool

lindseylakeshore · New User Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 1

I would defiently talk to your pharasist and maybe check the PDR supplemental guide (physians desk reference). Ive never heard of vitamins helping cancer to grow, but im not a doctor. I take transfer factors as an immune boost, and I also hear pomogranite juices as well as another berry is really good but i can't remember the name sorry. let me know what you find out.
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