In the space of a month I've had an estrogen receptive breast cancer diagnosis, was operated on last Friday, didn't lose my breast, but I'm reeling with it all.
I have been tired since the op but today I have crashed, my tinnitus is screeching, my balance is all to pot, I feel as sick as a dog and my energy is zero.
I had my prescribed b12 injection by the doc last week & I've just self injected 1000ml hydroxy...should I do every day while this trauma is to the fore & what should I up my folic acid to do you think?
So sorry you are going through all that. I inject daily anyway, but I definitely find that I need more during times of mental and physical stress, and you are going through both.
I would agree with 400 mcg of folate.
Additionally, have you heard of DIM? It has helped me a lot with my estrogen issues (DIM + calcium d-glucarate) and I have heard of it being used with estrogen receptive cancer, to lower levels of "bad" estrogen ongoingly. Something you could research or ask your doctor about.
Thank you....I'll look up DIM...never heard of it. I have a consultation soon with my medical herbalist, who I've seen privately off & on over the years, as what I've been reading re estrogen suppressing drugs fills me with dread.
I'll stick with daily injections & I take 400mcg folic acid daily anyway
I would recommend discussing this with your consultant or GP, especially if you are having chemotherapy. It may also be difficult to determine whether what you describe as a ‘crash’ is due to some other cause (infection following surgery, medication side effects, something else entirely etc) so I would strongly suggest that you consult your GP or hospital consultant rather than assume it’s due to B12 deficiency (unlikely as you’ve now had two B12 injections post op and any possible effect from anaesthetic gasses - nitrous oxide - will have been addressed by the influx of B12).
So, please err on the side of caution and speak to a medical professional.
It’s worth noting that whilst B12 is deemed safe in most circumstances, there are occasions when it should be used with caution (i.e. if stents are being fitted or are in place).
Members of this forum are not medics and though we share experiences, advice here cannot take the place of professional medical advice, most especially when there is a complex medical history.
I’m so sorry about your recent diagnosis - it must have come as a shock. It sounds like your surgery went well and that bodes well for your future recovery. Thank goodness.
Very best of luck. Please let us know how you get on.
Aileana - I would echo Foggyme's advice and would may be go a bit further to suggest that you also ask the consultant (or a pharmacist) about supplementation - some vitamin supplements can make some chemotherapy drugs less effective and vice versa so important to get proper advice and find out exactly what chemotherapy regime you are on.
Thanks for your reply Foggyme... & I will err on the side of caution. I did feel much better this afternoon after my b12.
I have been told I will not be on chemo, I may not even need radiotherapy... at the moment the follow up is Estrogen suppressing drugs. I don't suffer with any other illnesses & am not currently on any medication other than paracetamol if needed.
I have a post op appointment tomorrow & of course will take advice, I also have a consultation with my medical herbalist & GP who are both very supportive & fully understand my deficiency.
It's a new learning curve for me now....day at a time.
I totally agree with Foggyme and Gambit 62 and don't go against their excellent advice. In light of your additional comments if you aren't on chemo and are consulting with your oncologist and specialists, I would ask them for their support in your taking whatever dose you need to feel well, as symptoms are your body's way of telling you there is a problem. Ideally they will blood test you regularly to monitor your response to the supplementation and see if it matches your symptom relief.
If you were low in folate then a Dr would be likely to put you on 5mg (500mcg) folic acid tablets per day for 3 months to get your levels up.
If the oncologist and other specialists say that the B12 isn't going to be a problem from the cancer point of view then it is unlikely that daily SI will be a problem for the rest of your body until you get things back in balance. (Or even indefinitely if you need it).
Drugs used in operations, the stress, the cell production for your recovery/healing and many more less understood things all deplete your reserves and leave you needing more to effect a good recovery.
If there are no contraindications (eg taking anticoagulants or having haematochromotosis) then you may well benefit from a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement alongside an excellent diet, to provide a balanced range of all the nutrients you need for your recovery.
I hope you feel better soon and can put this behind you in short order.
I have regular blood tests for folate, ferritin etc (not b12 as on injections). I was diagnosed both b12 & folate deficient and my folate was addressed with a 4 month high dose & I now take 400mcg daily. I will ask to have bloods done again & to also check on my potassium & magnesium. I was also D deficient & follow a protocol for that.
Since becoming deficient I seem unable to cope well with stress....in fact I believe it was previous long term trauma & stress in my life that triggered my deficiencies. I dip quite badly both physically & neurologically with stress.
I will of course discuss all this with my oncologist today to find my best route through it all.
My medical herbalist is also excellent on nutrition & once she knows my oncologists plan for me she will then put her plan in place to run alongside this.
Thank you for your lovely reply. I so hope you can get this sorted out soon.
Also consider maybe needing a degree of methylfolate instead of some of your folic acid, and remembering folate from food is twice as effective as supplemental folic acid. Eat your greens! 😜😁😘
Funnily enough I changed to methylfolate yesterday!I make a 'green' soup...which has been a staple this last week as my appetite's been rubbish...has the added bonus of keeping you regular 🤭😅
I have had a lumpectomy for breast cancer, had radiation and taken Tamoxifen. It is a very difficult time that you’re going through right now, and I really sympathize with you. Anesthesia can be very hard on your body, as can the stress of a cancer diagnosis. I would advise you to try to rest, and go easy on yourself as much as you can. A breast cancer support group was invaluable to me when I went through that time period. It is so helpful to compare feelings, both physical and emotional with other individuals who are going through the same exact thing. Please know that this will pass. Blessings to you. Sita
Thank you for your lovely reply Sita, I appreciate it. I have joined a breast cancer support group which is very supportive.
I'm sorry you've had this trauma to deal with also & glad you are doing well. I wish you all the very best.
🤗♥️
Hello everyone, I got my results, my cancer has been successfully removed & my lymph nodes are clear...I don't need chemo, or radiotherapy...I am beyond relieved as you can imagine.I am reeling with the whole experience and very emotional. I will continue with injecting daily as long as I feel the need...my oncologist in fact agreed with me on this.
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Is self injecting everyday safe? 
Self injecting. No problem
Self injecting advice, please
Self Injecting of B12
