Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/18/2009

Question
Dear Dr. CGN.  This is a follow up question to my May 16 post titled "what my treatment may be post surgery.  To update you I completed 5 out of 8 chemo treatments.  Severe and dibilitating side effects.  Only one Taxol treatment given with allergic s/e, then Taxol cancelled.  20 Rads completed.  I'm 1/3 into the 17 Herceptin treatments.  As I had instant medical menopause I have severe hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.  As I am Estrogen neg may I safely take some type of hormone replacement therapy to help alleviate the side effects?  Any estrogen?
Question 2:  As I am now trying to get my health back and able to exercise again - YEAH, am I able to start taking antioxidant supplements to boost my immune system to hopefully keep any cancer cells at bay?  I currently take a multi-vit, 500 mgs of Vit C, 1000 mgs of Vit D, and B6, B12
Thank you again  

Answer
Actually I do suggest that you wait with all antioxidant & vitamin therapy until your radiation therapy AND chemotherapy have been completely finished since they may interfere with these therapies! Yes I would probably OK estrogen for some time in this situation but with mixed feelings & with caution since there is a CLEAR connection with estrogen supplements and the development of NEW breast cancers and you have already demonstrated a tendency of developing breast cancer so I do not think that that tendency needs to be enhanced!