Calling all TNs
Comments
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FighterJet is almost 3 years out, and Luah almost 4 years out, and many others on here. I think in time, when I reach their milestones, I'll feel more confident about letting up on some of the choices. For me, it's a slippery slope. One slight sugar infraction, and the next thing I know I've eaten a whole package of oreo cookies. For me, while this is at times, consuming, hard work and labor intensive, eating right and working out, it gives me a feeling of control that I don't feel otherwise.
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Lovely: I cut brussel sprouts in half (and/or break up broccoli and cauliflower into small flowerets), toss with a little oil olive, season with salt, pepper, oregano, then spread it all out on a shallow roasting pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 375-400, stirring once or twice, until tender and browned up, about 20 minutes. I also do this with cut-up squash, sweet potatoes, onions...mix and match, but I find brussel sprouts are particularly good this way, the leaves get crispy. I sometimes splash on a little balsamic vinegar after.
Another way I did brussel sprouts that my kids liked: Steam whole for 1-2 minutes, rinse with cold water, then slice and stir-fry with olive oil, garlic, onion and a little lean ham for taste (or bacon if you're splurging). Season to taste with salt pepper and curry powder. (Stir in a little half-and-half cream for a treat.)
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*hugs Fighter tightly*. So glad to hear you're doing well.
Thanks for making me laugh Gowith, "bite me" is becoming a frequent thought in my brain. Luckily my brain-mouth filter is still working, but when I get a chance I'll have to tell you the "dumbass" story. Filter WAS working that day, I just decided it needed to be shut off.0 -
Hi ladies, very interesting discussion re: foods that we eat. I am on the threshhold of my 5 years out and haven't made too many changes. Probably the biggest change that I made was going to the gym. Since I started working out I have felt 100% better mind and body. It has helped with my mood swings and menopause symptoms tremendously! I always hated exercise (still do actually) but it's not quite as bad now. As for eating, I pretty much eat what I want but the major change I made was in regards to sweets and my sugar consumption. I used to be a huge sugar junkie.. loved all candy and could polish off a pound of jelly bellies in a day. I'm at 2 1/2 years now "candy and donut" free. I am not perfect though and still induldge my weakness for the occasional cupcake or cookie. Well, maybe more than "occasional" but nowhere near the way I used to be. After I completed chemo 4 years ago I asked my oncologist what I could do to help prevent recurrence and he said "lowfat diet and Vitamin D". I faithfully take my 5000 of Vit D each morning and strive to eat lowfat but sometimes the french fry gets the best of me. I admit I do not eat my 3-5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. I really need to get better with that!
Lots of hugs to all you Trip Neg gals!
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Lainey, We LOVE hearing your story! Congrats on the upcoming 5 years!
) I'm so happy to hear your news!How much exercise are you doing? I currenty do 90 minutes 6 days a week, and average about 60-70 miles total for the week. I was at a higher level, but it was too much to maintain, left me too wiped out for the day, so I had to go down from 14 miles a day to about 11-12 miles. I had never exercised before this, and at first I would cry all the way to the gym and back, but I had to get my attitude right, and once I did that it became much easier. I realized it was a blessing, and I had been looking at it as punishment. I was really emotional when I first started going. Then I realized how the endorphins make me feel, and I accomplish so much more on a daily basis, because I feel happier.
Also, did you find anything to replace the candy and donuts with? I too, loved my donuts and candy and oreo cookies. The only thing I have found, courtesy of Titan or Meggy, is the Trader Joe's Cat Cookies. Very little sugar, and very little fat, and like 15 of those is one serving, so I can sprinkle them out throughout the day with a cup of tea.
I feel it's the sugar and sweets that needs to be even more improved with me. It's nice to hear from someone who has accomplished that, because it is hard to give those up. I thought I would have a hard time with Diet Coke and Coffee, as I was totally addicted to those, but it was simple.
Let me know if you have any sweet treat alternatives!
Thank you and congrats on the upcoming 5 years!
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Kathrynn, LOL - regarding "filter was working that day" .. that is funny!
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Debra,
Thanks! Sometimes it's hard to believe that it's almost 5 years since DX because at times it seems so long ago and at others, just yesterday.
My transition from sugar to non-sugar wasn't easy. At first I ate alot of Adkins bars and other sugar free candy just to get me through that afternoon hump when my cravings were the worst. Then I eventually got to the point where chocolate and anything with real sugar in it was grossly sweet. That was the best part! Slowly I started adding sugar back into my diet and so it tastes pretty good to me again and I have to keep a close watch on it. Donuts were my weakness so I have vowed that no matter how much I eat, I will never eat another one of those. lol When I do buy cookies I usually opt for shortbread because the sugar is usually pretty low. I think my main motivation for cutting back on the sugar was how lousy it used to make me feel after a binge. I also knew it wasn't good for my body so that was extra incentive. Oh and another thing, when I got to the point where anything with sugar in it tasted really bad to me, fruit was super delicious. Yep, I need to get back to that place!
As for the gym, I joined last October and fortunately there was a good personal trainer on staff. My gym offers very inexpensive personal training sessions so I was able to meet with him 3 days a week for 30 min per session. He taught me how to safely lift weights and do other strength training, core and some high intensity exercises. I did that consecutively for about 6 mths until he left and now I've been flying solo. I find these kind of exercises much more fun rather than spending an hour on the treadmill or staircliimber. There is also a dance/fitness studio near my house where I do Zumba class on Saturdays. Unfortunately I was recently diagnosed with lymphedema so I've had to put a halt on my exercise for a week but plan to get back to it starting tonight (so that's the plan..lol).
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I love Zumba! I thought about becoming a part-time Zumbra instructor at one time ... LOL. Get paid and get to work out!
Cupcakes and donuts were my favorites as well. I will have to check into shortbread stuff.
I downloaded this app on my phone, called FOODUCATE. Does anyone else have this?
It's awesome. Just scan the label and it grades the Food. Makes shopping and choices easy at the store. Some stuff is not as good as you would think, as some of the healthiest looking stuff got a D. Kashi Bars I think the one I scanned had a C+, but there was a fruit bar that got a B ... at Costco. They are yummy and 2 come in a package for one serving. 10g of sugar total though, but low in fat.
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That app looks so cool! Downloading it now... thanks!
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Hi Everyone,
I found this website that makes it easy to find trials. Breast Cancer Trials.
This site is unique in that you complete a questionnaire online, and it will match you to trials based on your circumstances. For instance, maybe a trial is excluding postmenopausal women, and if you are postmenopausal, than you would not see that trial in your list. So it gives you trials in which you meet the requirements, which is kind of neat.
So anyways, the other very interesting thing is there are some trials in there regarding diet/exercise, being overweight - all trials for breast cancer. There was one for reconstruction, and even a couple for positive support - wellness type program. Another trial and all you had to do was complete a survey by mail. So interesting.
Oh yeah, you put in the first 3 digits of your zip code and it will give you the trials in the closest location to you first.
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This is from a post in the Easy Low Fat Foods that can Save a Triple Negative's Life Forum ... also, there was a Trial going on in the list I received for flax seed.
Here is a news release about a study done at Fox Chase Cancer Center, an NCI center. Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids stop or slow the proliferation or growth in the number of cells, especially in triple negative cancers, much more than receptor positive breast cancers, reducing the proliferation by as much as 90%. This was presented at the AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) last week (4/9/13). This is special kind of essential fat found in fatty fish or supplements which apparently has different effects than the usual fats we consume. The total fat in our diets, as the studies show, should still be low.
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This made me laugh!!
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I read someplace that Claritin is good for Taxol related bone and joint pain...so I asked the nurse at the Onc's office. The nurse said to take Zyrtek, but to take double the dose on the package. I have seen alot about Claritin, but very little about taking Zyrtek for bone/joint pain. Does anyone have any knowledge experience on this topic? If so, I'd sure appreciate it. If you've used either of these yourself, can you include dosage?
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Good afternoon ladies....................I have good news to tell...........(I think). Had my Pet Scan yesterday and the doctor called today to tell me that all looked good and the cancer was gone.............YAY. On to radiation. Here is my dilemma, every test I have ever had they have made me take my prosthetic out and this place did not. I ask three times because I found this odd...........kicking my own butt for just not taking it out anyways. Since, my cancer is behind the fake boob do you all think I should be worried that they truly did not see it? I don't want to worry I want to be happy-happy-happy but now I am not sure. Every other place said that they could not see through a prosthetic but this place says you can..........what do I believe? I just did what I was told. I would think that it would just be a black blob but I don't want them to just say, oh that is her boob and not look beyond. I am not sure it different machines can see through them while others can not. I DO NOT was to sound negative, just more worried now. I was on cloud nine and now I am on a lower one...........:) Have any of you had a Pet Scan with your boob on?
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please tell me anything I need ta ask the radiologist
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Hey StupidBoob - Congrats on your exciting news! So very happy for you!
I would definitely (at the very least) call the imaging place and ask what type of machine you were on, and find out the one you were on previously, if it was at a different facility. Then see if that gives you some clarity. If not, call back to your Oncologist (is he the one that called you yesterday) and tell him that you are concerned it did not get a good read, and explain how this process was different. If you are able to reach the Radiologist, then I would also call him. I would ask why have you needed to remove it in the past, but not this time? Ask him this open-ended question, as then he will have to not only address / confirm that they did it correctly this time, but he will also have to answer why it was not required before. This way, you'll get double confirmation on why the procedure went differently this time. Why was it different this time, and why was the last time different?
Please let us know what you find out.
I'm so glad that all of us are SO Proactive! This is the key to managing a great treatment plan and follow-up. It's amazing at how one does have to be their own advocate.
I think along the lines of you as well, and would want more information about this. Now, to put you at ease, I'm sure the Doctor who called you had the specifics on the report, the type of machine, the type of process that it did, etc. It's usually summarized somewhere on there, so if he said it was clear, than I truly 100% believe that it was done at the highest surveillance.
Talk to you soon!
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Bak- I love your stories. Sounds like you have a good life with all your four footed friends. Go buy a copy of High Times - maybe you can get some growing tips. If all else fails, try growing it in water, in your closet, with a grow light
Annie - sorry the winter is so hard on you. Your guest room awaits.
Had my scan to see if the Xeloda is working today. Hope to get the results soon.
Wishing you well...0 -
OBXK let us know the minute you get your results. I will be chewing my fingernails until then. Hoping all is well and the Xeloda has worked. Saying lots of prayers.
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Karen, praying for good results for you. I see you had carbo and gemzar 1st. Did you get any help from that combo at all? That was what my original mo wanted me on with the recurrence, but I went with xeloda that my 2nd opinion suggested. tomorrow will be my last pill of my 2nd round, 2nd week. I have some moderate pain in toes, balls of feet , and heels. No peeling or blisters, just hard to put pressure on them (and I stand on my feet all day at work). Ibuprofen seems to help until I get home and put my feet up. Do you also have foot pain? My dose is 1800 mg in am, 1650 in am. The np said that was a high dose and was surprised I was tolerating it so well. I tolerated AC well also, it was just the taxol that damn near killed me.
Cocker, Were those clouds giving you the finger? I had to laugh at that... thunderstorms are near my home now, maybe I should go outside and "read" my clouds. Too funny!!!
I had a dream last night, was visited by my deceased FIL. I got no direct vision as to the course my life will take, but I somehow feel much more at peace now. I do sometimes get premonitions that come true, so hopefully this peace will last no matter what lies ahead for me.
Storms are getting closer.... Have a good night everyone.
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Thanks Debra and I am definately going to ask. I have a call into the Radiation Oncologist and I also ask my surgeons nurse if she knew. She did not but she said she would think it would be ok since women who have implants are not ask to remove them. I talked to the ACS and they did not really know. My oncologist said that she did not think they would have let me wear it if they were not sure. I think tomorrow I am just going to call the guys who did the test and ask them to tell me the theory behind it all. They were super nice guys
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Ladies a friend that I made during chemo is on Anastrozole and wants to know if there is any tricks to help her with side-effects. I told her I would ask you all and see if anyone has taken it or knows about it. Any words of advice for her?
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Annie my friend - I do feel your love. do you skype? Maybe we can have a video chat.
Slowloris - I had a regression while doing carbo/gemzar on my first 3 month scan. At the six month scan, I was back where I started. I am on my 6th round of Xeloda. I have no horrible side effects I take 2000mg twice a day. The only drugs I have left to try cause neuropathy, I'm not willing to go there again. I hope you find one that works for you.
Stupidnoob- run the drug through the site search. You may find some info. I hope it is a gentle drug for your friend.0 -
OBXK from the Outer Banks. Every bit of my love goes to you girl and I am hoping and hoping that everything is ok for you. Yep I can set up skype on here. Can you get Noha or Carson to do it for you. I would just love to hear your voice it would be wonderful even if I can't see you in the flesh.
Slowloris yep those fingers must have been for me lol. You say you sometimes have premonitions can you see me in them. I don't mind if they are rude or funny.
Had a boring day at work today. Sometimes I think I am just over this job. It's cold and miserable and I didn't feel like working but had to make an effort (when the manager was around anyway). Will be getting my lymphoedema sleeve soon, yippee. What a fabulous piece of clothing that is going to be. I wonder if I can request diamonds or pretty lace around the sleeve bit lol. The only trouble is I understand they are hard to pull on and my old fellar leaves way before I get up in the morning so I can see me struggling with it or leaving the bleeding thing off. I sure aint gonna wear it in the summer but in the meantime it may keep me warmer!! I suppose I could ask for knickers and bra to match it.
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Annie the sleeves are tough at first for sure...but now when I put one on it is like a second skin. Look for the sleeve donner...not sure correct name of it...to help you get it on the arm. I have several in different colors to match my outfit and mood. They are all "off the shelf" but my glove was custom made. Wishing you well with it
Karen---praying for you
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Annie and Mags. Is this what you're looking for?
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stupidboob...I have been on Anastrozole for 18 months now and in the beginning I took the once a day Claritin for the aches and pains. I took it (altho my MO didn't advise it) for 3 months. I had no pain so I stopped taking it.
The Claritin is the 24 hour pill WITHOUT the decongestant...just the antihistime.
I know of many women that had success with it...it is used also when taking Neulasta during chemo. I figured if it worked for that, I would try it with Anastrozole. I am starting to have a little bit of stiffness in my fingers but I am almost 70 so it is likely arthritis!
For anyone wondering why I am taking Anastrozole when I am TN...I am 2% ER+ so the MO insisted I take it for at least 2 years...so far, so good!
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Schatzi when you say your MO didn't advise it...do you mean he/she advised against it (as in he/she told you not to take it) or he/she just didn't make the recommendation? I'm curious because I'm trying to figure out if my wife should be taking it or not because she's having bone/joint pain which we believe to be from her Taxol.
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Drove back to the hospital and picked up my scan report. It showed a progression
Well, I'll just have to concentrate on doing what I want to do.0 -
Oh no! So sorry Karen.
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ALHusband...he just thot I was crazy and said "you don't need to take that". He pooh poohed it with the Neulasta too and it worked wonders for many of us. That was just for the Anastrozole.
He said after he does mention it to his patients now that are taking Neulasta. I guess they learn from us too.
I can't see it would do any harm with Taxol....did they recommend any pain meds at all?
Is your wife all done her Taxol? Does she have any neuropathy in her fingers or toes? I had 12 weekly Taxols and found them to be uneventful other than the time they took to have the IVs. Is she getting the DD Taxol?
It all makes a different for SEs I think. I know some get their fingers iced during the IV but they were Dose Dense.
Will you wife be taking antihormones after TX? Most TNs don't. I dunno why I am taking it but my MO insisted.
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