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ud45
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Posted: Jan 29 2013 at 4:35pm |
I was tested for Vit D level on Monday and I just received a call that the level is 19 which is lower than 24 that I tested in August 2012. My doctor is putting me on Vit D2, 50,000 IU. There seem to be link between Vit D deficiency and BC, routine check could save a lot of life.
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 29 2013 at 7:10pm |
ud45,
You might want to reconsider the prescription Vitamin D2. I had the same thing happen to me when I was first diagnosed and my onc prescribed D2. The ladies on this forum told me you want D3, not D2. Your body absorbs D3 better and it's over the counter. I never took the D2 and instead supplemented with D3. I'm going to paste some information from the Vitamin D Council. Their website has lots of good information.
Although both D2 and D3 are effective for raising blood levels of 25(OH)D, the Vitamin D Council believes that vitamin D3, as produced in human skin, is the more natural precursor, and recommends supplementing with vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the type of vitamin D the body naturally produces in the skin in response to sun exposure. Vitamin D2 is produced naturally when fungi (yeast or mushrooms) are exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or to artificial UV light.
In order to receive the most health benefit from increased levels of vitamin D, the proper cofactors must be present in the body. Vitamin D has many cofactors, but the ones listed below are the most important. Magnesium should be considered the most important one of all. - Magnesium
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A (coming soon)
- Zinc
- Boron
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/vitamin-d-cofactors/
Vitamin D and breast cancerBreast cancer was one of the first cancers identified as having protection from vitamin D. Now there is ample evidence that vitamin D lowers breast cancer risk.
Vitamin D levels Vitamin D blood levels greater than 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) reduce the risk of breast cancer by approximately 30%.
Based on observational studies of vitamin D levels at the time of breast cancer diagnosis or up to three years later, risk of breast cancer decreases rapidly as vitamin D levels increase from very low levels [less than 10 ng/ml (25 nmol/] out to 20-30 ng/ml, then decreases at a slower rate until levels about 50 ng/ml (150 nmol/l).
The rate of breast cancer appears to decrease by approximately 30% when vitamin D levels in the blood are greater than 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) compared to lower levels of 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 29 2013 at 8:15pm |
MsBliss wrote:
I'm not afraid to say it. I have said it before. I feel that any oncologist who does not optimize, at the very least, vitamin D3 levels is guilty of malpractice, no, I take that back. I feel it is criminal. There is far too much data and proof that vitamin D is crucial to the process of taking back your health. Not just for cancer either.
I feel safe in using such strong language because I have two oncologists in my family. They agree with me. One of them is very mainstream, a strong believer in the strongest chemo you can throw down, but supported my decision to refuse chemo and rads, so I know there is flexibility in the mindset. I have been to many a dinner party wherein they talk a pretty spirited talk about gene therapy, metabolic pathways, the state of research, etc. within the oncology "nation". They say the same thing: there is a resistance to acknowledging the importance of optimizing D3 levels because it is not "sexy". It is too plain. Too simple. Too unbelievably sad.
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Bliss,
I agree with you and would even go one step further. I think all medical doctors, especially primary care physicians, should check for Vitamin D levels during routine screening. We should know all of our scores, like blood pressure, cholesterol, vitamin d. Too many diseases are the result of deficient D levels. Most of us had no idea we were deficient until it was too late. With awareness and education like we have on this site, many of us are sharing this information with others. I guess it's not glamorous (Vit D) and not a lot of money to be made from an over the counter supplement?
Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 8:36am |
Low Vitamin D Levels Linked To High Risk Of Premenopausal Breast CancerA prospective study led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has found that low serum vitamin D levels in the months preceding diagnosis may predict a high risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The study of blood levels of 1,200 healthy women found that women whose serumvitamin D level was low during the three-month period just before diagnosis had approximately three times the risk of breast cancer as women in the highest vitamin D group. The study is currently published online in advance of the print edition of the journal Cancer Causes and Control. Several previous studies have shown that low serum levels of vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer. "While the mechanisms by which vitamin D could prevent breast cancer are not fully understood, this study suggests that the association with low vitamin D in the blood is strongest late in the development of the cancer, "said principal investigator Cedric Garland, DrPH, FACE, professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at UC San Diego. Analyses of vitamin D levels measured more than 90 days before diagnosis have not conclusively established a relationship between serum levels and risk of premenopausal breast cancer in the present cohort. However, this new study points to the possibility of a relevant window of time for cancer prevention in the last three months preceding tumor diagnosis - a time physiologically critical to the growth of the tumor. According to Garland, this is likely to be the point at which the tumor may be most actively recruiting blood vessels required for tumor growth. "Based on these data, further investigation of the role of vitamin D in reducing incidence of premenopausal breast cancer, particularly during the late phases of its development, is warranted," he said. The new study drew upon 9 million blood serum specimens frozen by the Department of Defense Serum Repository for routine disease surveillance. The researchers thawed and analyzed pre-diagnostic samples of serum from 1,200 women whose blood was drawn in the same time frame - samples from 600 women who later developed breast cancer, and from 600 women who remained healthy. A 2011 meta-analysis by Garland and colleagues estimated that a serum level of 50 ng/ml is associated with 50 percent lower risk of breast cancer. While there are some variations in absorption, those who consume 4000 IU per day of vitamin D from food or a supplement normally would reach a serum level of 50 ng/ml. Garland added that a consensus of all available data has shown no known risk associated with this concentration of vitamin D, which is measured as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. But he urges patients to ask their health care provider to measure their serum 25(OH)D before substantially increasing vitamin D intake. "Reliance should not be placed on different forms of vitamin D, such as vitamin D2, and megadoses should be avoided except those ordered by a doctor for short-term use," Garland added.
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 9:05am |
Comparison of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 supplementation in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS:This meta-analysis indicates that vitamin D3 is more efficacious at raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations than is vitamin D2, and thus vitamin D3) could potentially become the preferred choice for supplementation.
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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mainsailset
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 10:06am |
Thank you Donna. My first thought on seeing your postings was that years ago we all chatted about the small compilation of news about Vit D and decided that it was going to be a case of better safe than sorry. As the years continued, Vit D was finally subjected to NIH studies, worldwide research and every time D3 has come out as not just a safe bet but a necessity. It has been an astounding ride! When people first started using sunburn lotions, in what? the 50's? they were making a good choice on protection but without knowing it were denying their bodies the ability to absorb the D. Nowadays, with so much more strong sun, and although I personally seem to sunburn less easily now that my D level is high, supplementation rather than the 20 + minutes out in the sun is turning out to be the choice of necessity. It's just to good to see the reports now pouring in that the D3 is all that we hoped it would be.
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dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor
3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
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mindy555
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 12:14pm |
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Cheeks- So good to see you. What would I have done without the education on our website! I'm forever grateful to Donna for keeping it updated and visible for newer people. Many of us had no clue. Absolutely we should be checked before developing breast cancer or any other disease/malady. You have a good memory... I was under a lot of stress when meeting medical resistance from doctors who didn't feel the test was necessary. My frustration hit the roof after being basically 'blown off'. Simultaneously I provided web information (thanks to this thread) for my GYN & both oncologists. Eventually was tested in Houston w/a high number after taking inexpensive D-3 gel tabs at 6-7 iu daily for quite a while. I'll never know if my baseline level was low.
Donna made a really good point. Screening for D levels should be just as important as other routine lab, blood pressure readings, etc. This can easily be done by our GYN, MO & PC docs. When last I visited my GYN to discuss various issues he said he has now incorporated this test routinely. TG for docs who remember WHY they're practicing medicine and reign the ego. That's why I say educate your doctors if necessary. Nobody should be met with resistance by being told D level testing isn't that important!
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Dx July 2011 56 yo Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3 Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia Daughter also BRCA1+ Mass grew on Taxol FEC 6x better BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED BSO 6/2012
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debB
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 8:00pm |
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My hubby hasn't been to the doctor in years and just got set up with a new primary. I was thrilled to hear that he checked his VitD level as routine! Of course, it was low and he prescibed D2...but I guess it is progress! I have joked with him that my D was tested low and 9 months later look what happend to me!! I am probably going to go to this same guy since my primary left last summer so I will see if I can make some in-roads on educating him further!
Deb
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Dx 4/29/11, 46 yrs old, 3.9 cm tumor, Stg 2 Grade 3 chemo 4 rounds DD AC, 12 weekly taxol, finish. Lumpectomy, 2mm residual tumor. 37 rounds rads completed. Cisplatin/PARP trial
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ud45
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 11:27pm |
Dear 123Donna, Thanks for posting the information on Vit D. My concern with over the counter vitamins is that some brands do not have the % of vitamin advertised on the bottle(in right quantity). currently I use the NatureMade and Simply Right brand. could you share the Vitamin D3 brand that you were/are taking? Thanks
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 30 2013 at 11:52pm |
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Lately I've been getting my Vit D3 from Sam's Club the Simply Right brand.
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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ud45
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 6:24am |
123Donna, Thank you. I recently started on the Simply Right brand and I am looking to add magnesium and Vit K to help metabolize it.
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123Donna
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 8:25am |
ud45,
Hope your levels improve! How often will they be testing your levels? My onc checked every couple of months until we got it to a desired level. Since I've gotten my levels in the 60's, we now just check yearly. Don't be too disappointed as it may take several months for you to get them to an optimal level. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Donna
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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mainsailset
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 8:45am |
Just had a thought. I'm going to look into checking the various brands to see if they are made in China. Sam's Club throw's up a flag to me as much of their products are made in China. I'm not fond of the idea that the 'shell' or the mix of 'filler' with a gel cap could contain something less than pure. Anyone have a good site for tracing where manufacturers are? I'm not talking the back of the bottle that shows the distribution center address but an actual manufacturing site.???
Edited by mainsailset - Jan 31 2013 at 8:48am
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dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor
3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
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ud45
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 11:41am |
123Donna, My doctor said will test again in 3 months, I am hoping that there will be a significant improvement at that point.
Mainsailset, Brand really does matter in the Vitamin/suppliment industry beacuse they are not regulated. Dr. Oz did a show last year on accuracy of info on the bottle compared to actual product. It was shocking to see that some of the popular name brands did not pass the test. please keep us posted on your findings.
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mainsailset
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 11:49am |
ud45, the sites are saying that a good start is to check the label to see if its states "USP Dietary Supplement verified US Pharmacopeia" There is some regulation I'm finding and in the last year there's been more of a "Made In USA" turn in the industry but then there's still the escape hatch for the industry to outsource anywhere in the world the ingredients but assemble the final supplement on US soil. However I'm also finding several sites that are stating that all ingredients, manufacturing and labor is US resourced, those are the ones that I'm trying to cull down for us. Update: I take Carlson so I called their 800 number and left a message for their 'tech'. She called back promptly and said that the D's have a Country of Origin of New Zealand and Australia. They also have Coconut and Palm which is resourced from South America. Interesting info.
Edited by mainsailset - Jan 31 2013 at 4:22pm
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dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor
3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear
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cheeks
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Posted: Jan 31 2013 at 2:51pm |
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I've been taking Ortho Molecular Products Vitamin K2 with D3 for the last 6 months. Each one contains 5,000 iu D3 and 45 mcg of K2. It shows they are manufactured in Wisconsin...hope so. I get them through my doctor, a retired orthopaedic surgeon who is doing all natural stuff now. My level was good my last visit.
Blair
Edited by cheeks - Jan 31 2013 at 2:52pm
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Lump found 11/08 DX: 2/09 @52 TNBC L. Mast. 3/26/09, SN-, BRCA-, 4.5 cm (post surgical)T2NOMO Chemo: 4/09-10/09 Taxol x 12, A/C x 4, No rad.No recon. NED 1/17. New Primary right breast TN, 2/2018.
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mindy555
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Posted: Feb 01 2013 at 6:57pm |
My D level was at 86 after taking WalMart's Spring Valley D-3 Gel tabs. Problem is, I didn't have a baseline test to know my starting level. I do agree that not all vitamens vitamins are created equally and it's a good idea to investigate first. Sounds like you're in good hands with what you're taking Blair, with a really good doc. Wonderful!
Edited by mindy555 - Feb 01 2013 at 7:02pm
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Dx July 2011 56 yo Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3 Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia Daughter also BRCA1+ Mass grew on Taxol FEC 6x better BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED BSO 6/2012
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123Donna
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Posted: Feb 03 2013 at 1:46pm |
Zoya Lagunova works in the Department of Radiation Biology in Oslo University in Norway on the connection between vitamin D and cancer. She will talk about the contribution of low 25(OH)D levels associated with high BMI to increased cancer risk 13 vitamin-D-sensitive cancers with a focus on colorectal and breast cancer as the most frequently studied vitamin-D-sensitive cancer types
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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123Donna
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Posted: Feb 05 2013 at 8:51am |
So far tested only on mice. A novel experimental approach to fighting inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
The new approach enlists the active form of Vitamin D3, called calcitriol, which is delivered therapeutically by quantum dots. Quantum dots are an engineered light-emitting nanoscale delivery vehicle. This new preliminary work shows the dots can be used to rapidly move high concentrations of calcitriol to targeted tumor sites wherecancer cells accumulate, and also through the lymph system where the cancer spreads. With this approach, the calcitriol can fight on multiple fronts and the targeted location can be visualized with an imaging system tracking the quantum dots. The research will be presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society (BPS), being held Feb. 2-6, 2013, in Philadelphia, Pa.
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DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
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tasoulla
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Posted: Feb 26 2013 at 12:52am |
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Is it better for calcium supplements absorption to add Vitamin K2? Which form of Vitamin K2 is better? I have read that there is MK-4 and MK-7.
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