natural girls
Comments
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Sherber, thanks for the info. I have a bottle - tincture, but couldn't remember why or how it should be used for BC.
I haven't been making my own breads yet but do have the almond flour and wanted to do something with it. MBJ didn't you have a recipe for it someplace on this thread? Cookies, candy or something like that.... think that's why I went out and bought it.
I'm also using DIM but wondering if there are different strengths that should be used and perhaps one is better than another. Any thoughts?
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Samsue: Yes, chocolate coconut cookies! Below is the origianl recipe, but I changed it up by adding a 1/2 cup of almond flour, enough coconut oil (not butter) so everything sticks together, I substitute agave for the palm sugar, I eliminate the hemp and I also add 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut to it.
Chocolate super energy food:
1tbsp hemp seed (raw organic powder or whole seeds)
1tbsp of raw cacao
1/2tbsp mesquite
1/2tbsp raw coconut sugar
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of vanilla bean
1 pinch of spirulina
1tsp of coconut butter
1tbsp of water (less or more depending on density preference, can substitute water for hot roobois tea)
Other add if you'd like:
Spirulina, cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint oil, coconut flakes...
Also, can dip banana or strawberries and freeze them or stuff dates for dinner dessert.
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MBJ... thank you, thank you, thank you.... I've been wanting the cookies but couldn't find the recipe! I think I have everything I need for them. Will copy and paste the directions to my fav's and have it permanently on hand!
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dlb: Where do you buy 13C?
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merilee, I'm so sorry you're having a recurrence. My dx was ILC also. Have you inquired about a chemo sensitivity test? I think that's the correct phrase. Testing is available that takes your cellular information as an individual and it's then stacked up against the available chemical options for chemo to see which one has the most effect on your tumor. Since 80% of cases are ductal, it would be especially beneficial for you to be certain that you're getting a treatment that will benefit you.
MBJ, I live where mesquite trees grow everywhere, but I don't recall seeing it in a store. What section do you look for it?
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I found it at whole foods or my natural foods store I think where they sell flour and spices.
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samsue- Enjoy MBJ's fabulous cookies. My son begs for them and I make them about once a week knowing they are actually healthy. I still haven't gotten around to finding spirulina or mesquite and I use Agave instead of date sugar. I think the recipe is pretty forgiving. I think I'll go whip up a batch.
merilee- I am so sorry you have to fight this beast again. Please don't beat yourself up thinking it might be because you took supplements during chemo. I'm surprised your Onc might insinuate this knowing that cancer is pretty mysterious and unpredictable. Even when you do everything medically asked of you, a recurrence can happen. Other people eat Twinkies and smoke and don't get a recurrence. It certainly seems like a crapshoot. I agree with whoever said to get the Oncotype test to determine more about this cancer (it could be different than the first). Wishing you strength.
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Marilee, BC stinks! Sorry you have to go thru the chemo again. I didn't have it so don't know any details. Yet, I'm really sorry it's in your future!
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Yum will have to try that recipe! I'm always experimenting...( sometimes its good ...sometimes not so good lol)
Here is what I made this morning.....YUMMM
Pancakes
1-1/2 cup Oat flour (if batter is too thin, add a bit more oat flour)
1 egg
1-1/4 cup Milk or Buttermilk (or Almond Milk which I use mostly)
1/4 cup Agave
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup of butter or oil or coconut oil, melted (I use mostly Coconut oil in recipes for oil but sometimes use organic butter or equal parts of each)
pinch of sea salt
Mix all ingredients, cook and enjoy! These are not big thick fluffy type but they are wonderful and can not tell it is not made with flour, sugar, etc. So good.
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Thanks! I will look for it tomorrow.
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Augh! I don't even know what to eat anymore! All this time I thought I was being healthy eating only wheat flour products. But instead I should be looking for spelt, oat, sorghum, potato or some other flour. I don't think I can totally give us things like bread and pancakes. I have no problem finding healthy substitutes but I don't want to give them up entirely. Thanks for the suggestions; I'll have to follow up on them!0
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Merilee,
I'm so sorry to hear about your recurrence. We all hate it every time we hear it has happened to another person. Have you heard of genetic profiling? Assuming you still have a fresh biopsy there are labs it can be sent to that will examine the cells and id genetic info to determine best known treatment in an individual's situation. So many types of breast cancers, and even within the subtypes there are supposedly variances that impact what treatment is best. Here's a little info on genetic profiling if you want to look into it. And info on one of the labs that does it. There are a few labs like it. All the best for you.
Rachel
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Oh, and Merilee, there was a study that just came out where high dose antioxidants DID NOT interfere with treatments, and in fact, most who took them did better than those who didn't. Here's an article on that from my website:
New study results on antioxidants during chemo
When I asked my oncologist about doing high-dose antioxidants during chemo, she was honest; she said the research isn't there to say whether it would be a good or bad thing. My radiology oncologist, considered one of the best from Georgetown University's cancer center, was more blunt yet "I just don't know. I am ignorant."
I have heard a few of my pink sisters say their doctors cautioned them against supplements high in antioxidants during treatment, swayed by evidence suggesting they can interfere with the drugs' effectiveness. You may have heard the same, and the jury is still out, because the epidemiologic data is limited. But a study recently reported (Cancer Eipdemiol Biomarkers Prev Dec 21) indicates doing some antioxidants from the time of diagnosis can cut your chances for recurrence, even if you take the supplements during chemo. The study looked specifically at Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
Background and concerns: Radiation and certain chemotherapies produce free radicals, ultimately causing oxidative damage which kills cancer cells. There is widespread concern that antioxidant supplements interfere with the drugs' effectiveness by not only protecting healthy cells, but shielding cancerous ones, too.
The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. This study followed 4,877 women aged 20 to 75 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in China between 2002 and 2006. At a mean four years after diagnosis findings were: 18 percent fewer deaths and 22 percent fewer recurrences in women who used Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and multivitamins. This was regardless of whether they did chemo and after adjustment for lifestyle factors, socio-demographics, and known clinical prognostic factors.
What does the data mean? In the words of Xiao-Ou Shu, MD Phd MPH, lead investigator of the study: "Our results do not support current guidelines that all supplements should be avoided during cancer treatments. The results actually suggest that vitamin supplement use in the first six months after breast cancer diagnosis may be associated with reduced risk of mortality and recurrence. To my knowledge, this study is the first large prospective study among breast cancer survivors to investigate the association of vitamin use during cancer treatment and breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The results highlight the need for more research."
Shu suggests future studies focus on variable settings and populations, and consider factors like appropriate dosages as dose information was not available on participants in the Shanghai Study, though the majority was taking recommended over the counter dosages.
Contact information:
Xiao-OuShu, MD, PhD, MPH Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Xiao-ou.shu@vanderbilt.edu
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Oh, and Merilee, a study recently came out where breast cancer patients who did supplemental anti-oxidants during chemo DID NOT fare worse and overall did better than those who did not supplement. Here's an article about it from my website:
New study results on antioxidants during chemo
When I asked my oncologist about doing high-dose antioxidants during chemo, she was honest; she said the research isn't there to say whether it would be a good or bad thing. My radiology oncologist, considered one of the best from Georgetown University's cancer center, was more blunt yet "I just don't know. I am ignorant."
I have heard a few of my pink sisters say their doctors cautioned them against supplements high in antioxidants during treatment, swayed by evidence suggesting they can interfere with the drugs' effectiveness. But the jury is still out, because the epidemiologic data is limited. But a study recently reported (Cancer Eipdemiol Biomarkers Prev Dec 21) indicates doing some antioxidants from the time of diagnosis can cut your chances for recurrence, even if you take the supplements during chemo. The study looked specifically at Vitamin E and Vitamin C.
Background and concerns: Radiation and certain chemotherapies produce free radicals, causing oxidative damage which kills cancer cells. There is widespread concern that antioxidant supplements interfere with the drugs' effectiveness by not only protecting healthy cells, but shielding cancerous ones, too.
The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study. This study followed 4,877 women aged 20 to 75 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in China between 2002 and 2006. At a mean four years after diagnosis findings were: 18 percent fewer deaths and 22 percent fewer recurrences in women who used Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and multivitamins. This was regardless of whether they did chemo and after adjustment for lifestyle factors, socio-demographics, and known clinical prognostic factors.
What does the data mean? In the words of Xiao-Ou Shu, MD Phd MPH, lead investigator of the study: "Our results do not support current guidelines that all supplements should be avoided during cancer treatments. The results actually suggest that vitamin supplement use in the first six months after breast cancer diagnosis may be associated with reduced risk of mortality and recurrence. To my knowledge, this study is the first large prospective study among breast cancer survivors to investigate the association of vitamin use during cancer treatment and breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The results highlight the need for more research."
Shu suggests future studies focus on variable settings and populations, and consider factors like appropriate dosages as dose information was not available on participants in the Shanghai Study, though the majority was taking recommended over the counter dosages.
Contact information:
Xiao-OuShu, MD, PhD, MPH Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Xiao-ou.shu@vanderbilt.edu
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mscal, I've found I3C at several natural foods markets and health food stores. It's usually racked with the other supplements for women's health.
Merilee, it seems like you just did chemo not too long ago. In fact, when you first mentioned a recurrence above, I thought you were talking about the recent past -- not something that's just happened. I'm so sorry. Have you possibly gotten a second opinion? Also, are they positive the hormonal & Her2 stats are the same as previously?
Joan, don't worry about trying to eliminate wheat all at once. As you try other flours and gluten-free products, you'll be surprised as how delicious many of them are, and how much you'll just prefer them to wheat. Once you have those replacement items in your cupboard, products made with wheat flour will seem less appealing and you'll have new favorites to take their place. Deanna
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Merilee- you are in my thoughts and prayers! I have thought about you many times since reading about your recurrence. Sending hugs and love to you sister!
MBJ- your recipe sounds good. I don't have many of the ingredients. Did you ever consider a little side business? I would totally place an order!0 -
Merilee-It saddens me that you are still fighting this. Hang in there. You know we are all with you. It is troubling that your doctor is blaming the use of antioxidants on the fact that his chemo has not been successful. The fact is, most chemos are not successful. Some of them will shrink cancer cells, but the cancer is prone to come back if it is not the right cocktail. The problem is, they have no idea how to determine what will work and what will not. If they choose wrong, it is so easy to blame supplements.
Here is an interesting article on the subject:
http://www.brads-healthy-lifestyle.com/cancer_supplements_strand.html
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Hi all first post here, just been looking at the replies
Hair mineral tests could be good for detecting aluminium and other trace metals, that have been linked to breast cancer. Aluminium from deodorant has been implicated with instances of breast cancer. anyway I tried a hair test to see if levels of toxins in my body where within acceptable limits
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x-raygirl: I thought it might be fun to come up with some amazing gluten & sugar free products to sell to local businesses like coffee houses, restaurants, etc. I can now occasionally find a couple sugar free or gluten free options but maybe it's better I can't have any considering I am trying not to increase my weight, lol!
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Thanks Ladies for the support. Virve, do you know what studies this man is referring to in the article you posted? I did not see any references made to where to see the actual studies. I would like to be able to bring them to my Onc and make a case for what my gut is telling me.
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Merilee, I started a thread a long time ago after reading Dr Ray Strand. He noted in his observations that people fared much better if they used antioxidants during chemo. Here's a link to that thread if you want to read it. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/79/topic/738237?page=1
I'm also recalling vaguely, perhaps at lef.org, that only 2% of cancer patients truly benefit from chemo, and those are the people with lymphoma or leukemia. And even amongst the authors who have a more favorable opinion of the benefits of chemo, the benefit for lobular patients are tenuous at best.
Oh, and here's one more tool to add to your arsenal -- ask for FULL DISCLOSURE. I came across info recently that indicates this magical little phrase will require the doctors to fully disclose all the risks and benefits of treatments they recommend PLUS a list of other treatment otpions available to you. Might do you a world of good to give that one a whirl.
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I've read the book, followed the guidelines and here I am with another recurrance. I don't know what to believe or who to trust. UG!
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Althea: TNBC only has chemo as treatment and it works for most of us. I can't imagine where that 2% number came from. It is all we have and if I didn't have chemo I would have died. Surgery wasn't possible without it.
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Hi,
Where can I get tested for metal toxins, trace minerals, etc. Is this through my onco? Primary? Endocrinolgist ?0 -
Sherbear...who said no avocados?
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Oh Merilee....I am so sorry about your recurrance....will this s#(% never end?
Who was it that said "having good stats and "beating" breast cancer is like someone getting away with double crossing the mafia...you're always looking over your shoulder."
Once it's there, it never really goes away for us does it?
Prayers coming your way, Merilee. I'll pray harder this time...kinda ticked that my last ones didn't hold.
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Luna~ it was that site foodforbreastcancer that was posted. Regardless, I'm not giving them up! 0
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Just got a great gift from a friend and thought I'd share the title with you all. It's called the Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz. There are some really great recipes in her book, along with a big list of foods that help fight cancer. The woman who gave it to me is a personal chef who uses the recipes to cook for some of her clients.
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That is a great cookbook. I have it as well. I have used quite a few recipes in it. Very good...and the way I like to eat.
OK, question.....bought some AHCC. Did some reading on it and it seems it uses the same pathway as Tamoxifen. CYP2D6 to metabolize. Reads like it does anyway. It says something to the effect...that it should be ok as long as the chemotherapy agent does not use that pathway blah blah. So, I know that when using Tamox we should avoid Benedryl and some others that use the same pathway so this also? Anyone know any info on this? (I know I'm in the natural girls thread but I am taking 10mg Tamox currently...not sure what I will end up doing ultimately except that I know I won't ever go to 20)
Thanks!!
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I found a place that speaks to the 2% effectiveness of chemo. I don't think it's the same place I read about it originally. I've come to realize that many pages I thought I had bookmarked are, well, I don't know where they are. I turned into a techno fossil during this giant bc detour.
http://www.icnr.com/articles/ischemotherapyeffective.html
MBJ, I freely admit to knowing not so much about triple negative, but I'm not sure I've ever heard any mention of surgery not being possible for a TN without chemo first.
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