Low iron and Vitamin D

[Az]

Hi everyone!

Ever since this entire journey started, I’ve been struggling with depression. Writing it out like that seems weird, but maybe it’s the first step to acceptance. Last month, my family Dr ran some blood test and it turns out I have low iron and vitamin D. I’ve done some research, which I know is a bad thing. One of the things I found was that it could mean cancer… So I’ve been extra paranoid that the cancer is back. I know I need to be more positive… My husband keeps telling me so, but I’m having my struggles and just have to write it out.

Question: Has anyone else had a low vitamin D and iron? Maybe it’s a side effect following the treatment.

I know my diet has been terrible since I started this journey. I spend Monday to Fridays alone and barely have any energy to cook anything. Sometimes I just wish I could have someone to help me. My husband is only there on the weekends and those always seem to fly by.

[Jack Moon]

Hi Az

I started taking Vit D supplements in 2007, not because my doctor recommended it but because of what I read. I do not take a lot only 1,000 units in the summer and 2,000 units the rest of the year. I read a few articles and some research that show better results with BCG treatments. Although I finished the treatments in 2009, I continue to take Vit D every day. When I advised my family doc of this all he advised was to not take too much as my level was satisfactory.
There are several female contributors here than I am sure would be happy to talk to you. If you wish just private message them.
All the best,
Jack

[Az]

Thanks Jack! I appreciate any feedback. Still trying to wrap my brain around all of this and realizing that my life is different now.

[marysue]

Hi Az:

I suggest that you just keep monitoring your Vitamin D and iron levels for a while. Since you’re female, as I am I will mention one thing…if you are still getting your periods and they’re heavy, that can lead to anemia. Low Vitamin D levels can also contribute to depression. Like Jack I take 2,000IU of D in the winter and 1,000 in the summer. I used to take iron and did for a while after BCG was finished but have discontinued the iron. I was taking a natural form recommended to me by the health food store I go to because the doctor prescribed iron pills made me severely constipated. I like Jack, had heard that low Vitamin D can possibly link to cancer. I started taking Vitamin D and have felt much better and don’t get sick very often in the winter anymore. Getting onto a better diet will help you feel better overall and give you the strength to carry on and also boost your immune system which again in turn will help against the odds of the BC returning. Vitamin D is said to help with the effectiveness of BCG treatments as well. Hope my comments help.

[Az]

Thanks Mary Sue. Yes your comments did help. I am hoping to somehow find the energy to simply make myself healthy meals. The struggles I face is motivating myself to cook for myself. My husband is gone from Monday through Friday… I know I can do it. I just wish that I had help at home sometimes.

[marysue]

Hi Az:

Do you have a “Community Kitchen” where you live? We have that in Calgary. Originally it started out as a program for folks on a low or fixed income and wanting to stretch their food dollars but it has expanded to include anyone interested in group cooking. The plan is that the group gets together and decides what to make and everyone contributes by buying certain ingredients. They meet in a community hall to cook and when done the dishes are split up into portions that each family needs so everyone goes home with several precooked meals that can be frozen for later if desired. I haven’t tried it since I cook for the 5,000 anyhow but have heard good things about it. Just a thought. Failing that – cooking classes in your community? Maybe connecting with others and learning some fresh cooking things – menus, etc. will help with the motivation?

[Author]

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