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Comments

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    CoolHi Tamoxitrainers....I'm still hoping for SUN and some warm temps !!!!!!!

    Dream on...it's 22 with snow.   LOL

    Susie:  Miss Paigie Dog is A-OK.  That's like having a small child sick.  They don't understand why you have to do things to them.  :o)

    YES...I think the headaches are Big T related too.  If they don't go bye bye soon I'll try the Excedrin.  Usually Advil or stronger Aleve works for me

    Take Care Everybody.

    Bonnie

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Susie,

    Too funny!  Thankt for my laugh today!!   It is amazing how much better I feel after a good night's rest! 

    Kelly,

    Well, I found the lump on Feb 8th, but my mammogram wasn't til March 8th, and the biopsy was March 15th...  the Ides of March!    Hard to believe that it will be THREE years!  What a wild three years it has been! 

    Hope everyone has a great day!

    Hugs to all,

    Harley

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2010

    Love the pic!  Poor kitty!  :)

    Kcl65, Max is a rotti/black lab mix.  Apart from the cat-chasing, he's a wonderful dog and I love him to pieces.  :)  When we got him he was in bad shape.  He was skinny and his back half was totally bald, even his tail.  He had a limp, our vet says he may have been hit by a car. He's much better now.  He's such a funny dog.  He makes me laugh every day.

    #5 down.  I wonder when I'll stop counting....  ;) 

    Harley, congrats on beating the beast for 3 years!  That's huge!  :) 

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    SOY ~~  Are we tired of that subject?  LOL

    I just got an email from my niece with a email she received from one of her professors.  It reads:


    I must admit that I am not "up-to-snuff" on my nutritional supplements.  I would imagine, however, that since soy is one of the major food allergens (with peanuts, tree nuts, fish/seafood, gluten and milk), that anything that contains soy or even comes in contact with equipment that also processes soy products, that the manufacturer is required by law to state this prominently on the label.  I could be wrong; I do know that the FDA has little control over nutritional supplements so all sorts of crazy stuff goes on.  But, it seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen if someone with a soy allergy gets totally sick from an unlabeled nutritional supplement.

    Back to Square One. 

    Bonnie

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Good afternoon Tamoxibeauties!  Snowing just a little here and it is so pretty.  NO wind for a change, so, it isn't too bad out.  I got a fire in the fireplace and sipping my cocoa as I type.  I know, I know...it is a hard life, but, someone has to do it.  lol

    Bonnie!  Great news about Miss Paigie Dog!  It is so sad when our animals are sick, but, looks like yours is going to be ok now!  So happy!  If you try the Excedrin, be sure and eat some crackers before.  It upsets my stomach otherwise.  And, eat a few after too.  Just don't take it on an empty stomach.  I hope your headaches go away!

    Harley girl!  Congrats on the 3 years!  WOW!  I can't wait until I am 3 years out.  That is something to celebrate!

    OMG soy.  It scares the crap out of me, so, I just avoid it if I can.  I wish the FDA would enforce the law, but, I have little faith in them.  I think they need someone to jolt them into doing a better job than they do.  There was just another recall the other day on something because they let it slip thru.

    Well, enjoy your evening ladies!

    Susie

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Hello Tamoxiteam!!!

    Bonnie ~ The soy thing is frustrating, but with the potential ses we may as well get the full potency of the T.  By the way, I went to whole foods and found products without soy and it is clearly stated on the label. Country Life does an Omega 3 and a multivitamin/mineral that are soy free. NOW has a soy free Vitamin D3. Whole Foods has a good sale on the Country Life stuff right now.

    Sparrow ~ How wonderful that you have nutured Max back to health! Isn't that a great mix! We loved our Emmy! I just love dogs.  It is wonderful coming home to someone who is so excited to see you! LOL!

    Susie ~ We ate out, went shopping, drove along the coast, and just had some wonderful chats and enjoyed each others company.  They are wonderful young men, I am very proud of them!

    Harley ~ Isn't it amazing how we will always remember those particular dates! Is the femera still making you hungry?

    Caroline ~ How's your little grandson doing?

    Have any of you ladies got those Shape Up shoes by Sletchers.  They have that funny looking sole and are made for walking and I was just wondering if they were any good.

    Have a wonderful rest of the day my friends!

    Kelly :)

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Hi to all my Tamoxi-friends,


    Thanks for the Congrats on my 3 year cancerversary...  it's coming up soon. 

    The soy thing baffles me too...   I called CVS.com to ask about their supplements, because I got vitamin D3 there with a label that stated:    NO SOY    but when I got my replacement bottle since I was almost finished the 1st bottle, the label DIDN'T say NO SOY...  today the lady checked their records and told me that the vitamin D3 DOES NOT HAVE SOY in it...  but the fish oil DOES....  

    Kelly,

    Did you say Country Life has SOY FREE supplements?  Can I buy them online? 

    Yes, I am still very HUNGRY, but it seems to be getting better, because it doesn't happen as much.

    Have a wonderful evening!

    Hugs

    Harley

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited January 2010

    Up date from Canada: walked 13 km yesterday; grandson is wonderful; bright, sunny albeit chilly day here. Up to my armpits with laundry and dinner-making for the extended family.

    Soy - usually says someting like 'produced in a facility that also manufactures soy ....products' when it is not an actual ingredient. although I've found out that items with DIN #s do not need to list stuff like soy in Canada....go figure. I still think that soy lecithin is OK from all I've read - and that's what is in so much stuff.

    Hope this has been a minimal SEs day for you all.

    C

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

     Hi Harley,

    Here are the links for the Omega 3 and Multi that I bought today.  I'm not sure if you can buy directly from Country Life but I'm sure you can get them online somewhere.  As you can see on the link pages, towards the bottom, it mentions no soy.

    http://www.country-life.com/moreinfo.cfm?Category=8&Product_ID=365

    http://www.country-life.com/moreinfo.cfm?Category=9&Product_ID=471

    Here is the link for the NOW Vit D3, as you can see in the Details section, it contains no soy!

    http://www.nowfoods.com/Products/ProductsbyCategory/Category/078240.htm?cat=

    Hope this helps you Harley and anyone else.

    Hugs,

    Kelly :)

    EDITED to correct my grammar... yikes! Embarassed

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Kelly

    Thanks!!!  I'll check it out tomorrow...

    good night all

    Harley

  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2010

    Hey all!

    I periodically check this thread but have never posted here.  I am also a tamoxi-taker - since April of last year.  

    I am SOOOO glad I checked in here tonight - I had NO idea that fish oil tablets contained soy.  How stupid of me not to have read the label when I started taking them about the same time as the tamox or bringing them up with my onco....I have been avoiding the soy sauce, obvious stuff but crap...how could I have missed this?

    Now I worry that taking the daily fish oil pill negated the affects of the daily tomox....

    UGGG - I'm not used to taking daily pills of any sort and all of this just scares the heck out of me....

    Julie

  • Chevyboy
    Chevyboy Member Posts: 10,258
    edited January 2010

     Good Morning girls!  You know, I was reading all of the posts about soy products...& I finally googled it...I asked.."Does soy interfere with Tamoxifen?".....And there is a lot written about it....this one, is from our own BC.org....It seems to suggest that soy doesn't interfete with the absorption of Tamoxifen....Is there more proof that it does somewhere?  Just wondering...Jeannette

    http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/nutrition/ask_expert/2006_11/question_04.jsp

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    ..soy is not good for us ER+gals, because it is a phytoestrogen... anywhoo... it's ESTROGEN and we are NOT supposed to have estrogen.  It isn't so much that it interferes with Tamoxifen, as I understand.  BUT...   and I say BUT...   it makes me worry that WHEN I go off these hormonals, IF I'm still getting soy from all these other sources (and some are hidden), I won't have anything to block it...  as Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors...

    Julie,

    Someone told me that Soy Sauce isn't really bad for us...   I don't eat chinese food that often, so again, I just figure that my hormonal pill is taking care of whatever soy I DO eat...  :D    Also, it is my belief that a 'little' soy is ok, and I just try to avoid it where ever I can.  As someone else here on the Tamoxi train said....  I just don't go crazy about it....      still, it's a worry...

    Hope everyone has a great day!

    Harley

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2010

    My oncologist never told me which foods to avoid.  She had an emergency patient and was kind of rushed when I saw her.  I've done lots of reading on my own, though.  It's disheartening how many 'healthy' foods I used to buy have soy in them. 

    I know it's too early for SEs but I haven't had much of an appetite since I started on Tamox.  I wouldn't mind if this continued.  ;)

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning Everyone!

    Jeanette ~ I think that is the whole problem with the soy issue... some say it is fine and other say it is not! I spoke to my onc np on Monday and she told me that studies on both sides are inconclusive, so she felt it was better to err on the side of caution and avoid it where possible.As Harley and Sully have said, I don't go crazy about it as it is hidden in things. However, I have switched from Margarine to butter (i use so little of it anyway) and changed my supplements to soy free brands.

    Sparrow ~ I want that little appetite thing! Wink My body went through some serious sugar and white flour withdrawals after the holidays... no fun! LOL!

    Have an awesome day my friends!

    Kelly:)

  • Grakenmom
    Grakenmom Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2010

    Hello everyone - I'm just joining this thread, and although I haven't read the entire 225 pages, I did read through several, and I'm so happy to have found you!  I was dx'd and had a lumpectomy (IDC, DCIS, LCIS, ALH) in August 2009, opted for PBM with te's in Nov, and started Tamoxifen on Thanksgiving day, no chemo or rads. My se's are pretty mild so far, foggy brain, mild headaches, mild flashes at night, some fatigue, and a few other things. But not enough to make me stop taking it!  I coordinated for one blood draw for 3 dr's offices, and will meet with my onc in mid-Feb to see how I'm metabolizing it & if supplements are warranted. Thank you for all of the info on soy, Vit D, and everything - I'm trying to read up to have an intelligent conversation with all of my dr's.

    A note about headaches - I was taking OneADay Women's Active Metabolism vitamins on the advice of my PS. But when I read the label, these contain soy lecithin as well as 120 mg caffeine.  I stopped taking these a few days ago (because of the soy) and I think that's about when my headaches started - well duh, I've been otherwise caffeine-free for about 2 years, so I'm guessing it's the caffeine withdrawal from the vits. Or it could be the Tamox too...

    I'm VERY frustrated about the whole soy thing - why is it in everything?? Like some of you, I've gone back to making my own bread, and have cut it out as much as possible. But it's even in cans of water-packed tuna - I just don't get it.

    Ok, sorry to ramble, but happy to be here. Health and happiness, Erika (Grakenmom)

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Hi,

     Everyone that's talked about SOY ...me, Harley, Kelly, Susie, Caroline, Blondie, and I know lots more of us have brought it up now and then~~~ 

    Just what do we do I wonder.  I'm going to mention it to my doctors....visits coming up and first anniversary of diagnosis coming before too long.  Other than that I'll continue to take my supplements as long as they don't say SOY....realizing that they are not regulated and can make their own choices whether to tell the truth or not.  Sad !!!!   And once again....Who Pays?   US.

    Welcome G-Mom.  We've got lots of active folks on here that's for sure. 

    Kelly....was the 100 degree weather in Arizona by chance?  My dear friend is in Tucson.

    SusieQ....(hope you don't mind the "Q" ....)  I'll remember to eat crackers first and after.  :o)

    Blondie....back on the daggone soy.....I doubt if every fish oil supplement has soy in it.  I'm going to continue to take mine that doesn't say yea or nay.

    We'll probably eventually solve the soy thing and then something else will pop up !!!!

    Bonnie

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Hey ladies!

    Sounds like you did have a great time with your boys Kelly.  I am so happy for you.  And, thanks for the links on Country Life!  I love it when you beauties post those for us.

    Hi and Welcome Julie!  OMG, I take fish oil and never looked at the bottle.  Now, I will.  Thanks for the warning! 

    LOL @ Bonnie!  I love the Q!  You are such a dear♥!  How is your headache?  Do you have one today!  Yes, always get some crackers in you before Excedrin for sure!  I haven't been getting them everyday like I was!  Thank goodness!

    Thanks Jeanette for the link.  I will certainly read it!

    Ok later!

    Susie

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Susie   did you post this one??   I think it is SOO CUTE!

    funny-pictures-kitten-has-had-too-much-caffeine.jpg

    Harley

  • MTG
    MTG Member Posts: 337
    edited January 2010

    On the topic of IDENTIFYING soy, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America  writes

    "But don't be caught unaware: many foods that you already have in your kitchen contain some type of soy food, even if the word "soy" isn't on the label.  Here are other terms that may also imply soy ingredients:

    • Glycine max
    • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
    • Lecithin
    • Miso
    • Mono-diglyceride
    • Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
    • Natto
    • Tempeh
    • Tofu
    • Vegetable oil
    • Vitamin E contains soy bean oil

    If you are allergic to soy, read all ingredient labels, and if in doubt, call the manufacturer of the product before buying it." http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=522

    In addition, other names for soy  - Soja., TSP (textured soy protein), and  TVP (textured vegetable protein). See http://www.dictionary.net/soy and http://www.enotalone.com/article/3460.html.

    Now, I'm one of those who continues to eat soy but, if you're avoiding it, this list should help.

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Nope Harley..I didn't. I clicked on that link and it said FORBIDDEN!  lol  Ok, what is that?  A porno site?Surprised

    Thanks M for the links!  I hope they don't say FORBIDDEN!  Laughing

    Nite beauties..Susie

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited January 2010

    SOY- the reason to avoid soy is because of the phytoestrogens BUT I have been told lecithin is not from the protein (read phytoestrogen part) so has no appreciable phytoestrogen. I think I need to find a biochemist who can help us figure this out before we all go mad and avoid foods we love to eat. BTW    just came back from a delicious Chinese dinner out -  tried to avoid the tofu in the soup, the black bean sauce in the beef/broccoli dish....., but it was all yummy ;-)

    Busy the next few days with company Fri and Sat nights for supper; my family (a grandson cuddle)  for dinner Sun (maybe leftovers ;-)   so I may be quiet for a day or so. 

    Have a good w/end everybody

    C

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Susie

    FORBIDDEN??   WTH??    You are TOO funny!   It is a pic of a kitty....  and he has had TOO MUCH CAFFEINE!!   I need some caffeine about now...  gotta go to work...    I don't know how to post the pics, like you all do...  so when I tried, only the link showed up...

    Have a great day!!

    Harley

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Hi Tamoxitrainers,Cool

    M~~   If I have to look for umpteen ingredients I think I give up.  I'll go for it if  it says SOY.  LOL  Since my niece's professor says that the supplement people have NO regulations, it is clear that we are at their mercy.

    SusieQ ~~  :o)    I got the FORBIDDEN thing on Harley's click on too.  I've gotten it many times and I think it has to do with some carriers being selfish as to just who views what.  It scared me when I first got my computer.  I thought I "done did somethun" B. A. D.   LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

    Oh...I had a headache yesterday and was all ready to hit the Excedrin today but never got one...knock on wood.....I'll say that very very quietly.  But guess what?   I woke up 3 times with foot cramps !!!!!    I think the Big T wants us to know IT IS THERE.

    Anybody else have a solution to the soy drama?   I GIVE UP.

    Bonnie

  • sirenator
    sirenator Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2010

    ABSOLUTELY have horrid chills ; sometimes before, sometimes after. i feel like i'm losing my mind!  it is greatly affecting my sleep. my husband can tell moments after a flash starts when we're sleeping because my body starts to radiate heat and i get clammy. he can tell from across the bed!  it wakes him up, too. then when its over, i'm stuck to him like a starfish trying to sponge any warmth whatsoever... i'm sweaty, sticky, and freezing!  

    are yours worse at night? how long have you been on tam?  i'm at about four months and let me tell you, the last few weeks have been worse - i would bet i'm waking up about 20-30 times a night. you?

    regina 

  • sirenator
    sirenator Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2010

    yes, the soy thing is pretty dismal. everything - i mean everything - has soy in it. especially 'health' foods. you just can't even go near them. 

    i think you can drive yourself crazy with this stuff. a question i have is: if we're all on tamoxifen which is supposed to cut off our estrogen sensors, then doesn't it make sense that the effects of soy would be negated as well... at least while we are on the suppression drugs?  

    my nutritionist is pretty radical.. if i followed her advice i'd be eating micro-biotic foods only... and gobs of berries every day. who can afford to eat like this?  also, who can drag their husband into this ridiculous diet?  i cant' expect my husband to eat all this stuff just because i have to. groceries cost a fortune.

    fortunately (ha)... i found a huge asian grocery store on the outskirts of DC (called super H mart, in major cities) that offers fresh inexpensive produce. i find that ethnic grocery stores tend to have the best prices. but this time of year fruit is still way too high.  

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Hello Tamoxitrainers!

     Just got back from a lovely outing with my DH, he bought me a new set of pots and pans! YAY!!! Mine were all old and gross looking and I wanted to get away from the non-stick cephalon stuff. I got a nice set of stainless steel pots made by AllClad for Emeril!  Anyone have any tips on how to keep them looking shiney and spiffy?

    Susie ~ So glad that you are better and back to your cheery self, we miss you when you are not on as often. Btw, did you get your fire like you wanted, even though the heat goes up? LOL!

    Bonnie ~   No, the 100 was in central Cali... way too hot, glad I don't live in it anymore! Tongue out We know people in Arizona and they love it... I won't be retiring there though, too hot for me! :D Bonnie I'm just avoiding the obvious soy and not losing my mind over it all! LOL!

    MTG~ Thanks for the list of food names. I didn't know MSG was a soy product... I learn something new everyday. :)

    Harley ~ I too got the forbidden message! :(

    Erika ~ Welcome to you!! I am so happy you found us too!

    Take Care Everyone!

    Kelly :)

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Took me forever to post, kept getting up to do stuff so I missed your post Sirenator, welcome to you! Yes, eating that way does get very expensive.  I wish you all the best!

    Kelly :)

  • Erika09
    Erika09 Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2010

    Hi kc165 - I have AllClad pots for 8 years. They are great and will last a lifetime. After struggling with many diff products to keep them nice and shiny I finally found the best product -BAR KEEPERS FRIEND. This powder works miracle on them, it does not damage the pots and it is very cheap. Good luck and have great cooking time!

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    sirenator

    Hello and welcome to the Tamoxi train. 

    The thing with soy that concerns me is that one day we will not be taking the hormonal drugs... then what??  

    My brother in law is a farmer, and I seem to recall MANY YEARS ago, when I was a very young girl, hearing them talk about him getting a "CORN CHECK"...  and later, I read where the gov't was paying farmers for all the corn that they DID NOT plant...   instead, they were planting....  SOY....                  and now I know WHY...   Way back then, soy wasn't in EVERYTHING...  but NOW it is...  so you can thank the gov't for that one...

    sorry for that pic...  do you think I should delete that message??

    Hugs

    Harley

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