Taking Vitamin D a Good Idea If You Have Lymphoma?

[LynneMargot]

I do plan to ask my doctor, but I just read an article about this and decided to buy a vitamin D supplement. I noticed though that there was a warning on the label about taking it if you have several diseases, including Lymphoma.  Anyone had any experience with this?
An update on my situation:  I am to have a bone marrow biopsy and a lymph node biopsy tomorrow morning.  My lymphoma has definitely recurred and the doctor is gathering information in order to plan treatment.
Ken and Mochalicious, it does seem that she is suggesting referral to MD Anderson, more aggressive chemo (bye bye hair) and a bone marrow transplant.  Sigh

[Mochadelicious]

Hi Lynne,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you.  I hope you are doing well (considering all you're going through).  Did you have your vitamin D levels checked?  Mine was fine, so I guess my fatigue was from daily stress.  I still take a Multi-vitamin daily which has C in it.

Have you started treatment yet?  I totally understand your feelings on losing your hair.  I felt the exact same way the first time I lost mine.  It was a daily reminder (to myself and to others) that cancer took it from me.  It *****, I know.  Keep your chin up and fight this reoccurrence with as much strength and determination as you had the first time around, and please keep us posted on your progress.

[LynneMargot]

Mochadelicious, my oncologists have never checked my vitamin D levels.  I feel fortunate that I found an oncologist that could even diagnose my lymphoma after seeing two oncologists that told me I had "a cold coming on", "cat scratch fever", "mono" even in view of the fact that I had classic symptoms of lymphoma, and evidence from a CAT scan and a bone marrow biopsy.  They were morons and they were affiliated with a prominent Texas oncology center, so I am not complaining about the deficits I see in my care compared to what I went through to finally get a diagnosis.  But I do wish I had more information from them about safety when my wbc is low and info about vitamin D and other factors which may help health. I guess we have to do our own research, mainly using research-based sources.  I am going to ask about a test for vitamin D levels.  I also have read positive information about taking vitamin D.
I had the two biopsies today, and the staff there made the whole procedure very tolerable and comfortable.
It looks as if we are both waiting on lab work results.  I hope that yours come back in a good range. I've been very fatigued and now I know why: the recurrence. Your comment to me was so reassuring, and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to reply to me. It's my first recurrence so we will see what is best to do.  I'm sad about losing my hair again, but my doctor said that she could not think of any treatment at this stage that would allow me to keep it.  :(  That should be a minor concern, but somehow it's some kind of symbol of the disease...
I am researching my options now, and of course, will know more once we get the biopsies back.  Wishing you good luck with your recent lab work, and hoping that you soon feel better with more energy.  Take care!

[Mochadelicious]

I'm sorry to hear your lymphoma has returned Lynnemargot.  This must be very upsetting for you.  Is this the first reoccurrence for you?   It's probably a good idea to check out MD Anderson, even to just hear their opinion on the matter.  Are they thinking SCT with a donor or using your own stem cells?

As far as vitamin D goes, just about every article I've read on vitamin D and lymphoma is pretty optimistic, however taking it at the same time as chemo and your SCT (if you choose to do that)  may interfere with the treatment progress, so be sure to talk to your oncologist before starting it.

To be honest, I'm not sure why there is a warning against it on the bottle.  I couldn't find anything online about it.  My doctor just drew blood today to check my thyroid and vitamin D levels.  I've been pretty fatigued lately, and I wouldn't be surprised if she ups my Vitamin D, even though I already take a Multi-vitamin with D built in.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing.