Hi girls
many of you will have read that I am currently having a treatment break + I am keen to build my strength + immune system up as much as possible. I am starting iscador which is meant to give immunity a boost but I’d like to start some supplements too as I’ve had a hell of an 18 months with relentless surgery chemo + rads. I want to be as well as can be when the time comes for more chemo…
I guess high dose vitamin c is a must but is there a really good multi vit for the immune system that anyone can recommend?? Any other advice would be welcome too.
Thanks in advance 
tina xx
Hi Gingerbud
I too am on an chemo break after 2yrs of almost relentless chemo, scary isn’t it. I think carboplatin might be the next one in store, I don’t know how bad that one is, hope it’s not too tough. I have read a lot about high dose Vitamin D3 (5000IU) having properties which inhibit the spread of breast cancer. A lady called Hope2 sent me some information ages ago about what she took, along with a very impressive story of her cancer journey, I don’t know if she still logs on to this website. She said that Inositol Hexaphosphate 2000mg (IP6 for short) is a powerful immune stimulant. I have to say I bought all the supplements then found I got awful heartburn and as I hate swallowing tablets and take loads for painkillers anyway that I tend to not take the supplements very often.
I thought that your body only absorbed a certain amount of vitamin C and then you wee out the rest? Maybe someone could put me right on that.
Hope you have a nice long chemo break.
Linda
Hi, it was great to read your good news today Tina! and I hope you both, Linda you too, enjoy a break from treatment…(I’ve been on a constant high dose of Xeloda since April 2008 so understand how odd it must feel to be without chemo…but I hope you both have a really good spell…a really long spell before any more chemo)…I don’t take any supplements, well apart from Adcal for my bone mets but, for years now, I’ve taken a teaspoon or two of Manuka honey every morning. My bloods have held up throughout my constant chemo cycles and at the sign of a cold or sore throat developing I take a couple of extra spoonfuls of Manuka which (I think) halts anything developing further. 10+ and beyond is the most effective Manuka, don’t disolve in hot water as it dilutes it’s properties.
Re Vit C…I’m no expert but have heard it can be unwise to take large quantities of C if you have cancer…perhaps Finty or someone with more knowledge than I can verify or rule this out?
Love Belinda…xx
hi tina the only one i can think of was something called whole food vitamins i got them some years ago when hubby was ill they kept his immune system in good shape even through chemo the nurses were impressed, they were from holland and barret back then not cheap though but worth it, hope they still do them. also i believe echinacia is very good too… good luck with the hunt… x
Hi,
I started taking Lifemel honey, found it really good but so expensive, so switched to Manuka 18+ from Holland and Barrett. It does work. One teaspoon in the morning and one in the evening. It is supposed to have antiseptic properties as well. Ive just (nearly) finished rads and I have had no problems at all, and my skin has been great.
chris x
I’ve been pretty ok on blood results etc all the way through 6 lots of chemo so far. This isn’t science, but I’ve been taking
Actimel
Lactoferrin
Vitamin D
General vitamin/mineral thingy with extra iron sometimes
blueberries
watercress
Manuka honey
Seems to be working fairly well for me.
Ann x
Hi, After chemo, mx, rads and then Femara, I felt like a bag of s***,
that was over 2 years ago and after doing a bit of general reading-up (not proper research) I prescribed myself:- Co-enzyme Q10 Vitamin
B complex, Multi-bionta (very effective against thrush), Glucosamine and Cod-liver oil for aches & pains in my joints, and lastly, Selenium which Id read that this had come out very well in trials when given to cancer patients. Most days I feel like jumping over the moon, and even on a bad day I can still function normally. I do appreciate that Ive not got any mets thank God but it`s worth a go at one of my cocktails, none of them are particularly expensive, cheapest of all from Asda or Tesco. Nearly forgot, also take my Adcal on prescription but only one not two, I read too much Vit D can do more harm than good. Hope you feel as good as me soon, love Mags xx
Hi Tina
After my initial diagnosis, I took a herbal supplement to boost my immune system for a couple of years. Unfortunately I became complacent, stopped taking it, and decided I’d put cancer behind me!
It was a liquid form, a cocktail which contained:
Essiac
Turmeric
Spirulina
Echinacia
I’m going to start taking it again. And I take Vit D too.
xxx
dear Tina, the penny brohn cancer centre suggest a group of supplements which cost about £90 in all but I think are well worth it. They consist of a high Vit C, a multivit, a fish oil and an anti oxidant. I also take acidophipus too. SeEms a lot of money but how much is your health worth?
Best wishes
Tganks for all the suggestions so far ladies
I have already ordered some essiac tea but had been thinking if vit c, co enzyme q10, silenium. Also have some supplements from when 1st diagnosed like pycanogynol (sp?), violet + goldenseal tincture.
Leadie- would you mind pm’ing me the details, doses etc please?
Jane did u make the cocktail or buy it pre made? Can I have more details please?
Thanks again
tina xx
hi i am also interested in good immune supplements. my sister has recently been diagnosed with secondary cancer to bones and lung pleura. a friend of mine went into remission following her complete belief in essiac tea and is still well today.i would also be interested in the cocktail that jane takes . any more info, would be great. Need to tackle this crap cancer s*** with all we can. love to all x
Hi girls … Tina Iscador is something I am concidering once finishing treatment Ive heard & read alot of good things about it. Theres been a lot of good surgestions here. Vit C yes thats good to keep up good Vit C intake as body cant store it upping your dark green veg intake is a good way too.
I was taking the IP6 in powder form but found it very sweet & it does contain sweetner ! I think the tablet form may be better ? So im back on my wheat grass for now Ive been trying to get hold of some essiac tea its not so easy to get here Id like to try that as I do have green teas which are very good too esp the Sencha, Gyokuro & Macha ones I have variety of them each day. But the caffine levels can be high & the decaf versions dont have half the amount of the ‘good’ stuff in them so best to pour some boiled water over them let them stand for 2 mins then tip off & re add boiled water & leave to stand for 10 mins that way alot of caffine is rid off & not the good stuff as that takes longer to stew out.
Eat nuts Brazils walnuts & Almonds very good for selerium not sure thats right spelling
Vit D3 I take this too
Calcium as I dont have alot of dairy now
Curcumin c3 complex ( or you can use termeric in your foods mixed with black pepper & olive oil b4 you add to food for absorbtion)
Omega 3
I take B12 + b complex in drop form under tongue
Mekalar - glad to see someone else is drinking Wheatgrass; I think it’s making me much stronger - and I love seeing it grow on my window ledge (but I do use the frozen as well when the fresh supply runs out - hate the powdered form) What do you use?
Importance of Vit D and breast cancer prevention was in the paper I read in a cafe today (Daily Mail, I think) - suggesting we need lots of hours of sunshine. Where is it today? Might have to leave Uk or just rely on tablets!
I was eating brazil nuts for the selinium - just be cautious with amounts as it can lead to brittle finger nails.
Hi all
I have been going to see a nutritionist and she has recommended:
Krill Oil capsules - Omega 3 rich and supposedly better absorbed by body;
Vitamin D tablets
Chia and unshelled Hemp on my muesli
Manuka Honey
Selnium with vits A,C & E
and I am awaiting a delivery of Essiac so that I can start brewing my own tea. She wants me to get as much as I can from natural foods rather than supplements.
I am trying to eat more raw food and veg juices, not too difficult at this time of year with salads but might be harder in the winter.
Sue
Hi Tina
I saw a herbalist in Lewes, East Sussex, where I was living at the time. Here’s the web address with contact details:
seb-co.com/LewesLiving/Advertisers%27Pages/Barefootherbs.html
Perhaps she could recommend someone in your area?
Stay well! xxxxx Jane
I’ve just noticed there’s a ‘2’ missing from the phonenumber - it should be 01273 etc x
Hi Francesw I use the powdered form it does take some getting used to but yes very good
Mekala x
Hi,
This maybe a bit late but better late than never, whilst doing chemo I have been on a variety of supp. all approved by my onc.
x2 a day Evening primrose oil
x3 a day Acai antitoxidant berry supps.
x3 a day Cranberry supps. (especially if you get cystitis symptoms)
x1 Optibac probiotic for immunity (highly recommend)
X2 a day homemade hemp oil (this has a posting all of its own)
flaxseed oil and ground flaxseeds added to my breakfast cereal
drinking pomegranet juice and beetroot juice, Manuka honey add to drinks and on toast its great.
as well as juicing wheatgrass and other green foods, make my own nettle soup
and TIP collect elderberrys and blackberrys and freeze so you can use them in the winter great for making yummy winter pud apple/blackberry and elderberry crumbles with crunchy oats on top.
When I’ve finished chemo (next week is last one YAY) I am going to add Salvestorols Gold, Selenium, vit d, and c, thats what I have got so far but will add to this new list as and when.
I have got surgery in september so will start before that after the last chemo, it takes a long time to research all of this stuff and I think its quite a personal choice and I have found that I am drawn to something then its probably what I need to take, I try to listen to my intuition and my body more these days.
The Optibac Probiotics for Immunity I believe have got me through chemo with great bloods all the way through.
Good luck to you any more advice please pm me.
Love and light