Vitamins after breast cancer

Hi, 

I’m 37 and have just finished treatment (chemo x 24 weeks, lumpectomy and radiotherapy x15) for progesterone positive breast cancer. My treatment has pushed me into early menopause and I’m struggling with some of the symptoms. Mostly, brain fog, disturbed sleep and joint pain. I’m conscious about taking supplements that ease these symptoms as I’m not able to have HRT. 

is it safe to take the following: 

- lions mane

- ashwaganda 

- glycinate 

- turmeric. 

I also wanted to know if it’s safe to use cryotherapy and saunas (to help with exercise recovery) I wasn’t able to used these while having treatment, but now I’m finished wanted to know if it was safe to return to these. 

im currently taking evening primrose oil, vitamin D. I keep reading information that the above, combined are having positive effects fir women suffering from my symptoms, but it’s not clear if they have the health issues that I have had. I just want to be able to return to some kind of normality without stimulating the hormones that fed my cancer. I must add that I eat a health and balanced diet and take moderate exercise as I build back my strength. 

just desperately looking for some clarification. 
best wishes 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to read about your situation and appreciate you have questions about supplements.

    As nurses we are unable to give specific advice on supplements and suggest you speak to your GP or hospital team. We always advise patients to be cautious when it comes to supplements as these can cause more harm than good and could possibly interact with treatment. Pharmacists are usually the best people to advise about what is safe to take in terms of supplements alongside any cancer treatment drugs or other medication.

    Your hospital team or breast nurse specialist are better placed to advise you if it's now safe for you to have saunas and cryotherapy as they are familiar with all your medical details and should be able to tell you if your immune system is fully recovered following treatment.

    We have some information on our website on how to manage menopausal symptoms that you may find useful.

    You can ask your GP to check your vitamin D levels via a blood test and then they can advise what dose of vitamin D to take.

    I hope this is of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene