Hello everyone, I’m doing research for my 72 yr old father. I’ve read some things regarding probiotics & I was curious as to their assistance (or maybe no assistance at all!) during treatments. (Whether it’s radiation or chemo or hormone shots.) I read the oral pill probiotic w/ the Lactobacillus strain could possible help manage acute mucositis. I was wondering if anyone had “luck” w/ taking probiotics or if there’s doctors out there who have relevant info pointing to NOT taking them. I wanted to start my father on a probiotic (or synbiotic). Right now he’s waiting for radiation & currently had a Firmagon shot. He’s also on a blood thinner for Factor V. I’m not sure that’s relevant, but thought I’d add it in. I want to be prepared for what may come w/ treatment side effects. (Constipation/diarrhea/stomach issues)
Thank you in advance for sharing your personal experience! ~ heidi
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Heidabelle
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Google PC & probiotics. They are benifitial. I’ve taken them for 3yrs thru treatments. And every thing seems to work just find. No issues. A couple weeks ago I decide maybe I didn’t need them . I spend hundreds per month on nutrients. Big mistake! After a few days off probiotics my abdominal region was not happy . I won’t do that again. These are high quality 100 caps for $22 dollars, 1 per day. Chicken feed..low cost. This is from my naturalpathic onocologist. Klair labs. Vital-10 , 100 vegan caps. I say go for it . A simple inexpensive fix . It can not hurt to try. I think he will benign as I have.
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Spl ca. He will benifit. I’m sure they are on line. You are on top of this for him .... God bless you. .. keep smiling..
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I have my spl ck set in Espanol. It s always changing my American slang to Swahili.
Thank you for sharing! I will add that to my list of items to research. I’m sorry that you felt sick, but on the other hand, I’m so glad the probiotics have helped you! Lesson learned: don’t halt your probiotic usage! Thank you, as always, for taking the time to respond. Sending lots of healing prayers & love 💕
Talk to your oncologist before using probiotics, especially during chemotherapy.
There is a difference between taking probiotics during treatment (in general), and taking probiotics during chemo, when your immune system is suppressed.
Probiotics have live bacteria that have the possibility of causing endocarditis or sepsis in immunosuppressed patients. The incidence may be very low, but it still exists.
There are very few studies that give statistics of the benefits v.s. the drawbacks of taking probiotics during chemotherapy, or other times when the immune system has tanked.
When I started chemo in November, 2017 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, I reviewed my medications, including OTC’s and herbals, with my oncologist. At the time, I was taking Culturelle. He recommended that I discontinue use of Culturelle until I completed my course of chemo, just to err on the side of caution. I have had brief (a day or two), but tolerable episodes of diarrhea after each infusion (I’ve done 5 of 6, so I’m almost home). I take Immodium as needed for the diarrhea, and other OTC drugs (Famotidine, Gas-X, Pepto Bismol, etc.) for acid, cramping, and gas.
It seems that other than during chemo or other periods of immunosuppression, probiotics are safe and beneficial.
Thank you so much. Yes that was my concern (as to taking probiotics (or any supplements) during the treatment). I wanted to be sure I gathered enough info so my dad can ask the oncologist the right questions. I really appreciate you taking the time to type all that up! Sharing experiences is beneficial for both parties, I believe. I’m sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. I hope today serves as a tolerable & nuisance free day as much as possible! You are an inspiration. Thank you! ✨🙏🏼✨
I had Activa during 39 radiation treatments this past summer and had no bowel issues at all. Diarrhea seems to be the #1 question from RO as to how you are doing during treatment.
Ok, that’s a good option too. (Activa yogurt). Thank you for that info. I’m sorry you had to go through so many radiation treatments. I hope you’re starting to heal. I believe radiation is my dads next step (his prostate was already removed.) Do you take any other supplements or vitamins? I wanted my dad to build up his immune system before further treatment. He had an upper respiratory infection for over a month so I see his body isn’t healing that fast. I’m wishing you lots of good days & nights, stay strong & positive! And I hope you can continue w/ the Activa! Thank you so much for sharing. ☺️🙏🏼
Daily vitamin and calcium with d3 since I am on Lupron for three years. I am doing well now with PSA undetectable two years post surgery. If your dad is not active in a gym program, I have found it essential to attitude and energy. My testosterone level is virtually zero and I have found that inactivity is my worst enemy.
Ok thank you! I agree, staying active (and busy/occupied) helps a lot. Unfortunately my dad is not exercising at the moment (age 72), he still works (family business), and I’m hoping once the weather warms up here in the Midwest he’ll start doing some walking. I’m glad you are feeling well! Keep up the great job, it must be tedious but your efforts are shining through! 😊
I am looking into probiotic yoghurt for my father who was diagnosed with pc last month. He has started testosterone blocking meds already. Awaiting radiation. I have read an article saying the probiotics can stimulate testosterone so now i am wondering if it will be detrimental for his meds? I will get him to ask his onc nurse before he starts taking it. Other than that it will be a great immunity boost and increase good GcMaf cells which help fight cancer cells.
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Advice for upcoming Chemo treatment 
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