The Colon Club

Dear all,

Bf at 56y.o diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer spreaded to lymph nodes. Surgery just done and starting chemotherapy in two weeks time.

May i know what supplements are Good to combat side effects of chemo?

Please Share your experiences of supplements taken during your chemo sessions and what has helped u through the rough journey.

Thank you

Which chemo regimen?

There are things one can take which are thought to help lessen the neuropathy associated with Oxaliplatin, for example, but if s/he isn't getting oxi there's no point.

By "supplements" is it safe to assume that you are talking about things other than prescription anti-nausea drugs, and also not over the counter drugs commonly used, such as immodium for diarrhea and various stool-softeners and laxatives? You mean things like CBD oil, Vitamin Bcomplex, L-Glutamine, et al?

If you clarify the chemo, for example FOLFOX or FOLFIRI, people can be more helpful.

Medical marijuana, and not just CBD.

My mom is starting chemo on Wednesday. Folfox. She has mets to liver and lungs. I posted a topic wondering what people thought of Marinol (medical marijuana) to reduce side effects of chemo. I hope people respond with ideas to reduce side effects of Oxi.

Thanks.

All I remember is the Oncologist mentioning not to take any supplements that might cover up the effects of neuropathy. His general doctor said to take vitamin B to help the neuropathy but the Oncologist overruled, saying that it could mask the actual damage being done and she needed to know how bad it was so she could lower the dosage accordingly.

Good luck!

What I believe helped me through chemo were three things: exercise, walking or running, acupuncture really helped and Coriolus versicolor or Turkey tail mushroom supplements. There are a few brands out there, but this is the one I used and still use: Mushroom science, https://mushroomscience.com/coriolus-super-strength/.

As always check with your oncologist first!

Peace

Is It insane of not going to chemo for stage 3 colon cancer? Few days ago went for CT scan prior to chemo and result was clear. Chemo will start on 21st and there will be a total 8 sessions. Extremely fearful of secondary cancers or other permanent Damages caused By chemo. What r the chances?


Thanks

disissue wrote:Is It insane of not going to chemo for stage 3 colon cancer?

In my opinion, yes.

Yes, from my perspective it is unacceptably risky not to do adjuvant therapy of some kind with Stage 3 cancer.

But again I will ask, WHAT KIND OF THERAPY/CHEMO is proposed??

Answer that simple question and you can get much more valuable feedback. All chemo regimens and therapies are not the same.

Disissue- If it is in the lymph nodes, one NEEDS Adjunct therapy. No question. Micro tumors have floated in the bloodstream and you need to kill them off before they find a ‘home’ to grow - thus Stage 4.

I have done both Folfiri and Folfiri. They aren’t that bad. Much better than dying. So you endure some fatigue, diarrhea & neuropathy.

SUPLEMENTS:
I regularly use Konsyl pfsyllium fiber. Vitamin D. Krill oil. Aspirin (known prophylactic for colon cancer) Garlic tablet. Turmeric. Drink Green Tea.

Wishing you comfort and faith.

Hi Disissue,
I was dxed with an aggressive stage3c into six nodes. Right from the start I chose to just do whatever the doctors told me to do and although I have issues from chemo at the time I made up my mind that there would be no regrets with whatever I chose to do. I had 48 sessions of chemo , every Tuesday for nearly a year. I was 48 at dx and next month I turn 69 , still cancer free. I still work four days a week and go out fishing in my 4 meter kayak every time I get the chance. Best of luck with your treatment, Ron.