prognosis

I learnt from the medhelp experts that my mom had stage IIIC breast cancer.The oncologist we were consulting didnt give us the stage of the disease and didnt talk much about the prognosis.Right now she's finished 4 cycles of AC and 3 cycles of Paclitaxel.Waiting for the 4th and later radiation. As an only daughter, im too scared about this whole issue.Could someone answer my questions please.....
Is it ok to take antioxidant supplements during chemo and radio?( the doctor had prescribed a multi micronutrient capsule with vitamin E and calcium tablets)
What is the survival rate for stage IIIC breast cancer patients??

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The issue regarding anti-oxidant supplements and chemotherapy is still controversial.  Some say that these anti oxidants can lessen the effect of chemotherapy drugs and therefore decrease the over all benefit.  However, this effect is still not proven by full proof data.  For some doctors, they prescribed these antioxidants to increase the resistance of the patient and therefore tolerate the chemotherapy treatment.  All in all, this is still controversial and I believe there is presently no harm of taking these supplements alongside chemotherapy.  Stage IIIC breast cancer has about 50-60% chance of survival in 10 years, and can be increased by about 10-15% with the addition of chemotherapy.

REgards.

[whizmedico]

Thank you sir for clearing my doubts.

[whizmedico]

sir,
my mom finished 8 rounds of chemo.the medical oncologist told her to report for radiation after 3 weeks with ct chest and ct abd.but the radiation oncologist told to report by 2 weeks.she's in a dilemma.how long apart should chemo and radiation be spaced? do they have any untoward effects if wrongly spaced? wont the added radiation effects of the ct scans affect my mom?

[shwetasaokar]

Just wanted to say, hope for the best always. I am also in the same situation as you- only daughter- with mom having a stage IIIC BC. Take each day as it comes and never give up! You have to boost not just your morale but also your Mom's. Wishing you both the best!

[whizmedico]

hi, thanx a lot for the encouragement.wishing u both al t best too.