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Treating estrogen responsive cancer naturally

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  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 1,748
    edited November 2016

    BB - those ingredients look fine to me........as you know I am doing naturopathic alongside AI´s.........try and eat a lot of greens and reduce your carbohydrates......vegetable carbohydrates are fine but not processed or refined ones.......can you get Chia sedes?  The only thing I think you could add in is Omega 3 fatty acids....................xx

  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 2,845
    edited November 2016

    Mapat, I walked a lot during treatment (before cancer as well). Once I was done with treatment, I also started going to the gym. The last year, I have not been able to go to the gym, but I still walk a lot. For me, it is really important for my mental health, but it is also one of the few things with pretty solid science to back that it is helpful in warding off a recurrence and for overall health. My goal is to be moving 1.5 hours a day. I also have some small weights that I use at home, and sometimes I do a bit of yoga.

    In Denmark, exercise is a standard part of cancer treatment. My brother-in-law was complaining that they made him run up and down stairs at the hospital. He was half-joking, however, because he both looked and felt better after treatment than before, in large part thanks to the exercise.

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 771
    edited November 2016

    mapat...very interesting article. For one it talks about good and bad estrogen. This is something conventional medicine has refuted but alternative medicine practiced by naturopathic docs have ben saying all along. Another interesting subject was how estrogen levels were checked in urine. Many conventional docs believe our hormone levels cannot be checked accurately. Hopefully this is the wave of the future and women with BC can get more accurate answers on estrogen levels before, during and after treatment. God luck to all navigating this disease.

  • Mini1
    Mini1 Member Posts: 1,309
    edited November 2016

    Your supplement looks good. What kind is it? I have read conflicting studies on flax seeds. I avoid using them because I'm not sure, but I would love to know if there is a "right" conclusion regarding their use.

    I have found that yoga works the best for me exercise-wise. It helps me mentally, and I have gained more upper body strength than I did at the gym. I am supplementing my routine with weights. That seems to give me a balance between strength and flexibility.

  • mapat
    mapat Member Posts: 31
    edited November 2016

    Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend--count your blessings!!Happy

  • yoga_girl
    yoga_girl Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2016

    Does flaxseed increase my breast cancer risk?

    This article appears in the August 6, 2015 issue of AICR's eNews

    American Institute for Cancer Research

    http://www.aicr.org/enews/2015/08-august/enews-Does-flaxseed-increase-my-breast-cancer-risk.html

    Q: I've heard that flaxseed can help lower blood cholesterol, but will it increase my risk of breast cancer?

    A: The latest research shows that consuming flaxseed does not increase risk for breast cancer. At one time, there was concern that flaxseed's lignans, classified as phytoestrogens could raise the risk of breast cancers that are fueled by high levels of estrogen. Now studies show that although lignans' chemical structure is like estrogen, they don't act like estrogen in the body. In fact, research indicates flaxseed may be protective, especially in post-menopausal women. It seems to decrease cell growth, increase self-destruction of abnormal cells and shift estrogen metabolism to less cancer-promoting forms.

    As for heart health benefits, some studies do show that including four level tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily may lower LDL (the "bad") cholesterol and blood pressure, although we need more research to understand who benefits and how much is needed.

    Flaxseed does provide other valuable nutrients: it is concentrated in dietary fiber and contains the plant form of omega-3 fat known as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). An additional benefit –bacteria in our gut convert flaxseed's lignans into compounds with antioxidant effects.

    Do check with your doctor before beginning daily flaxseed if you take fish oil or EPA + DHA supplements or anticoagulant medicine. Also, if you are undergoing cancer treatment, discuss potential use with your care providers. If you take any prescription or non-prescription medicine, be sure to take flaxseed one hour before or two hours after to avoid blocking absorption of the medicine. Finally, if you're considering daily flaxseed, note that four tablespoons of ground flaxseed contain about 150 calories. Substitute it for some other food to avoid undesired weight gain, which would raise risk of both heart disease and cancer.

    For more on flaxseed, see AICR's Foods that Fight Cancer.

    Written by Karen Collins, MS, RDN, AICR's Nutrtion Advisor.

  • snowsogal
    snowsogal Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2016

    Hello:

    I did not get the Onocotype DX test either. I was told that they did not do it for people having positive lymph nodes. They only did it for people with negative node status.

  • snowsogal
    snowsogal Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2016

    Hi,

    Has anybody taken Vital Reds by Dr. Gundry?

  • roche
    roche Member Posts: 36
    edited December 2016
    This thread caught my attention immediately. I am familiar with many of the supplements and many I am not. Much of the information is over my head unfortunately. I am 72, eat 100% organic, take many of the anti oxidant supplements you discuss, love vegetables, salads, no meat or chicken, and take NO medications. Except for a few old age aches and pains, I thought I was healthy. Last week I get diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma- estrogen- progesterone positive. Am scheduled for lumpectomy this week,
    I have to force myself to take a break from this thread. There is so much info here and I can't seem to focus on much except this cancer. The thought of having to now put all these poisons in my body is causing major panic. Would natural supplements be replacement for the hormones at the very beginning of radiation, and be eliminated completely? From my experience with conventional physicians, as soon as I refuse meds, they have a change in attitude and not for the better. So just curious as to how the " oncologist" who will be assigned to me is going to react.

    I had found a brilliant nutritionist at a local health food store who guided me as far as many of the supplements. However, he left and I can't locate him.

    I live in Freehold, NJ. Would any member know of a naturopath in the general area that I could contact?
    I see this thread is a few years old. I hope it is still active.
    Thanks
    Roche
  • mapat
    mapat Member Posts: 31
    edited December 2016

    Well this was interesting...Shocked

    "Atrazine is a common agricultural herbicide with endocrine disruptor activity... by inducing an enzyme called aromatase, which causes overproduction of estrogen...aromatase is so important in the development of breast cancer, the cancer drug Letrozole works by blocking aromatase, which in turn blocks estrogen production. Ironically, Letrozole is also produced by Syngenta, the same company that brought us atrazine."

    http://www.wakingtimes.com/2016/11/18/banned-eu-da...

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive...

    http://www.atrazinelovers.com/a.html





  • mapat
    mapat Member Posts: 31
    edited December 2016


    Certain Breast Cancer Drugs Tied to Blood Vessel Damage

    "the study adds to evidence linking aromatase inhibitors to elevated risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and possibly full-blown heart disease."


    https://cancercompass.com/cancer-news/article/5670...


  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 771
    edited December 2016

    Hi all..unfortunately aside from breast ccancer having no estrogen is very unhealthy.

    Roche...I had a BMX but thats all. No chemo or anti hormone treatment. I'm doing several things to lower my estrogen naturally. I've lost 30 pounds and exercise daily. I take DIM, melatonin, and berberine. So far so good. Let me know if you want to discuss further. Good luck to all.

  • Bii73
    Bii73 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2016

    Roche, I was dx'd at age 65 - soon to be 73, and like you, no health issues prior to dx except a few minor ones. I decided quality of life was better (for me) than increased quantity *might* bring by doing harsh therapies. The cancer has slowly spread in the past 7 years, but I'm not sorry for my decision. I ended up getting a mastectomy when the tumor started fungating, but looking back I can see that is exactly when the cancer spread. The good thing about being under a doctor's care even if you are only using them for monitoring purposes is that you can see the stats and the scans. In retrospect I probably wouldn't have gotten the mastectomy had I known it would speed the metastasis - but no need to second guess my decision. It is what it is and I go forward, still in relatively good health. To look at me you wouldn't know I have stage 4 cancer, grade 2.

    As for an Oncologist being assigned to you ... you are in control. Choose your own physicians. Fire any that treat you with contempt or disrespect. Remember, they work for you, and if they don't care for your feelings, find health care providers that do. I am on my third Oncologist and finally have one that is willing to listen. I also listen to her - it's a two-way street. You never can tell when she will offer a solution that will work within your framework, so keep your options open.

    I pray that you will find the right path. LMK if I can help in any way.


  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 2,845
    edited December 2016

    Bii73, glad you are doing so well. I don't think you should second-guess the MX. It is just as likely that the tumor started fungating, because the cancer became more active. I.e. the fungating tumor and the mets were part of the same pattern.

  • roche
    roche Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2017
    Sorry dtad & Bii73, first chance I've had to get back to forum and read posts. Thank you for sharing.

    Dtad I'm curious as to whether you are under a doctor's care for these supplements or taking them on your own. There is so much information on natural estrogen blockers involving food and supplements. Too much. I'm very much interested in natural estrogen blockers over synthetic hormone therapy. But I think I would need supervision. So many foods and supplements available. My cancer was 4mm, clear margins and neg sln. Before lumpectomy, surgeon said standard of care would be surgery and radiation, but then after surgery included name of MO to see first and then the RO. I had consult with MO and he told me the choice was up to me(?), which is only adding to my anxiety. Just worried that I won't be able to make a decision. I haven't seen the RO yet, but in the meantime I have scheduled appt at a facility that has a team of specialist who I'm hoping will be able to help me come to a decision I can feel comfortable with. I have difficulty making decisions in general. And Bii73, you are right. No second guessing. Only look to the future. Sounds like you are doing well. And so glad you have found an oncologist that you can relate to and trust. I might be following in your footsteps. At this age, I agree it's quality over quantity.
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 771
    edited January 2017

    roche...No I'm not working with a MO on diet and supplements. It would be very difficult to do so since most MOs know very little about it. In fact IMO they also know very little about female hormones. My advice to you would be to see a naturopathic doc if you want more guidance. I have done tons of research and I am comfortable with my decisions. However we all have to make our own informed decisions. I think we can all agree that weight loss and exercise are important though. Good luck to all navigating this disease.

  • roche
    roche Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2017
    Morning dtad,
    I agree that conventional medical doctors know little to nothing about nutrition. They are trained to basically cut and or dispense medicine. I am a BIG advocate of a "nutritarian diet". I thought maybe you were following advice of a naturopath. I am searching for a naturopath in my area (difficult to find) and following the upcoming consults with RO and MO I will seek a consult as to what foods and supplements might be beneficial.
    Thank you again and best of luck to you also.
  • mapat
    mapat Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2017

    Does anyone use natural progesterone as part of their treatment? I have been considering it, but having difficulty finding it locally.

    "progesterone can reprogram estrogen action in the breast in a way that results in estrogen receptor action improving breast cancer outcomes. Because of this unique interaction of the two natural female sex hormones in the breast, we see great potential benefits in adding progesterone to existing drugs that target the estrogen receptor, thereby helping to switch off the growth of cancer cells."

    http://www.news-medical.net/news/20161209/Controve...


  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2017

    would this just ve the case woth

    ER+. / PR -? Would you want to add progesterone if already PR+

  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2017

    I live in industrial farm country. Surrounded by Atrazine.


  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2017

    And there are naturopaths out there now who specialize in cancer. I had a consult recently with someone who knew exactly what supps I should/should not be taking during the various treatments.

  • roche
    roche Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2017
    Yes there are naturopaths out there. Trying to find a competent one in my area without having to travel to NYC is the challenge. I don't know what industrial farm country you are from, but I hope I can locate a naturopath similar to the one you are finding success with. Continued good luck to you.
  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2017

    Roche~ I am traveling quite a distance to take care of my holistic, mental, and physical cancer care. I actually stay at a Hope Lodge so that I can do this.

    I live in New England, not another country! Lol.

  • roche
    roche Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2017
    Sorry gardengypsy,
    I guess my response is kind of funny. I'm an old lady so forgive me.
  • mapat
    mapat Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2017

    I haven't been feeling quite so good lately--recovering from bronchitis, tired, no appetite, etc... and constipated, and realized I haven't been eating much fiber or the beans I usually try to eat some everyday. Fiber is important for helping to control those estrogen/estradiol/estrone/whatever levels.

    Hope everyone is recovered from the holiday season and doing well to start this new year.

    mapat

    **

    "a high fiber diet works to reduce hormone levels that may be involved in the progression of breast cancer ...

    A high-fiber, low-fat diet intervention found that fiber reduced serum estradiol* (estrogen breaks down into estradiol* in the body) concentration in women diagnosed with breast cancer, the majority of whom did not exhibit weight loss. Thus, increased fiber intake was independently related to the reduction in serum estradiol* concentration...

    Reduced levels of serum estrone* and estradiol* were observed in premenopausal women with a greater intake of dietary fiber...Similarly, a high intake of dietary fiber was significantly associated with low serum levels of estradiol in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors... Dietary fiber intake increases the amount of estrogen excreted in the stool [109]."

    http://cancer.ucsf.edu/_docs/crc/nutrition_breast....

    http://foodforbreastcancer.com/articles/fiber-is-a...




  • gardengypsy
    gardengypsy Member Posts: 499
    edited January 2017

    mapat

    Great nutritional information. Thanks..

    The holidays kicked my ass..

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited January 2017

    When I asked my MO to ck my estrogen levels, she declined, saying the level of estrogen is really not that important. The tumor may require a small amount. I had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy and was mistakenly assuming that it would protect me from BC...but 13 yrs later, I was DX'd. We also produce estrogen in our adrenal gland and body fat....I wish there was a healthier alternative...can't take al's-have osteoporosis. I stopped taking Tam a couple of wks ago after 2.5 yrs. . Still up in the air on whether I will get back on it....eh. Haven't told my MO. I justify it by reminding myself that I did do chemo...21 onco-score.

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2017

    i

    Asked my MO and she said you are on an AI and should have no estrogen to check.?!?!

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 771
    edited January 2017

    Hi all. Ive said it once and I'll say it again. Most MOs know very little about female hormones. Yes you can check estrogen levels and IMO should be a must before, during and after anti hormone treatment. Many woman on this forum have them checked by their PCP, GYN or naturopathic doc. Prescribing anti hormones blindly is just not sufficient. Good luck to all navigating this disease.

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2017

    Am going to ask PCP. Which tests are recommended?

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