TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

Hi Susan (and all).

My joint pain has gotten progressively worse. the oncologist suggested glucosamine. I've been on it for a few months and it hasn't done anything. Yesterday I took some Zyflamend - it is an herbal anti-inflammatory (Cox2 inhibitor.) In Dr. Horner's book she says it is also anti-cancer. Well, it didn't totally relieve every pain, but I could definitely feel its anti-inflammatory effect, it was like I had taken a couple of Advil.

and I can relate to the fear of mets. Every ache, pain or lump or bump will always cause anxiety for me, probably forever :-(

from Memorial Sloan Kettering:

Zyflamend

Clinical Summary

Zyflamend is a formulation containing 10 different herbs. It is marketed as a dietary supplement for healthy inflammation response and normal cardiovascular and joint function ⁽¹⁾.

Preliminary studies suggest that the ingredients in Zyflamend have anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative properties ⁽²⁾. Zyflamend inhibits the proliferation of oral squamous carcinoma ⁽³⁾, pancreatic cancer ⁽⁴⁾, and melanoma cells in vitro ⁽⁵⁾. In an animal model, it inhibited the growth of both hormone-sensitive and hormone-insensitive prostate cancer, and reduced the expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA) ⁽⁶⁾. It can also suppress elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase in obese models ⁽⁷⁾. In a phase I trial in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, Zyflamend did not cause any serious adverse events, and significant reductions in serum levels of C-reactive protein and nuclear factor-kappa B levels were observed ⁽⁸⁾. More studies are warranted.

Zyflamend may potentiate the cytotoxic effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents, including gemcitabine ⁽⁴⁾, taxol ⁽²⁾, doxorubicin ⁽²⁾, and bicalutamide ⁽⁹⁾.

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Purported Uses

• Antiaging
• Cancer treatment
• Inflammation

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Constituents

• Ocimum sanctum (Holy basil) leaf
• Curcuma longa (Turmeric) rhizome
• Zingiber officinale (Ginger) rhizome
• Camellia sinensis (Green tea) leaf
• Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf and essential oil
• Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang) root
• Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread) root
• Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) root
• Origanum heracleoticum (Oregano) leaf
• Scutellaria baicalensis (Skullcap) root
  ⁽¹⁾

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Mechanism of Action

Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese gold thread and Scutellaria inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and thereby reduce inflammation. In vitro studies showed that Zyflamend inhibits inflammatory enzymes, decreases retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation ⁽¹⁰⁾, and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells ^{(2)(3)(4)(11)}. It also reduced androgen receptor signaling and enhanced bicalutamide-induced apoptosis ⁽⁹⁾. In melanoma cells, it induces autophagy and apoptosis sequentially by activating the intrinsic caspase cascade. Cell migration and COX-2 expression were also suppressed ⁽⁵⁾. In myeloid leukemia cells and lung adenocarcinoma cells, it inhibits osteoclastogenesis and NF-kappa B activation ⁽²⁾. It also inhibits NF-kappa B activation and enhances gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells ⁽⁴⁾.

Both a cellular model of obesity-related inflammation and an obese animal model indicate that Zyflamend blocks proinflammatory mediators and aromatase induction as well as Akt and NF-kB activation. Increased aromatase mRNA levels and mammary gland activity were also partially inhibited ⁽⁷⁾.

In a murine xenograft model of prostate cancer, Zyflamend was shown to inhibit androgen-dependent tumor growth and histone deacetylase-5, biomarkers linked to prostate cancer progression ⁽⁶⁾. It also reduced the number of inflammatory cells, hyperplasia and dysplasia, and tumor incidence and number, and inhibited cell proliferation in an animal model of oral squamous cell carcinoma ⁽³⁾.

I love this group. Thank you to all who replied to my temper tantrum/pity party.

I have been off Femera for the month to 6-weeks trial. Actually more than once. It heed at the beginning. The last time I could not tell a difference. That was another reason for the bone scan. I am not worried about being addicted to benzo's-I am really careful with all drugs. But the new research-almost another kick towards those of us with chemo brain. Is it Chemo Brain behind door number 3--or is it demential of Alzheimer's type? I have not tried Zyflamend-but will. I am game for anything. I have taken fish oil, kreel oil, and one other type--could not tell a change. And I have tried glucosamine-again no change. I tried the other AIs and tamox. My MO wants me on Femara---if possible.

I had a woman (smart woman, PhD in some math area) ask me point blank today in Target (with a loud voice) if I got to get new boobs? Yep. My response. Sadly, no. I am not a candidate for reconstruction. And her: Well why not? At that point I made an excuse and left. And seriously wondered why I left my office early. She also asked why I had my name tag on-since everyone knows me anyway. Responded--well that is unlikely. And I put it in the same place every evening--and that place is not Target. But now--everyone knows the status of my boobs-or lack there of. Geez.

For those of you new to the group--get ready to plug your eyes. We talk about everything. Back in the day of pure toxic waste infusions several of us suffered from the 'rhhoids. Those of us who "shared" talked about pain and bleeding and so on. Anyone of that group starting the cycle again--after a long time of absence? I know it is the return of the 'rhhoids--pain, fresh blood-the usual. But my diet is friendlier to the posterier than it has ever been.

I chain-watched a new series The Affair over the past few days. Was addicting but not sure I liked it. Also watched Transparent on amazon in about 2 sittings. Whoa. The writing is way good.

Much love to each.

Mommato3 - I did the heart cath and do not recommend it as a fun activity. It was negative for blockage so that means the LVEF is attributable to herceptin and possibly rads to left breast. I'm taking 2 heart meds now and supposed to monitor my blood pressure for my f/u Jan. 2nd. So far, its crazy up/down.

I finished my Carbo, Taxotere, Herceptin, and Perjeta in November and have been continuing with the Herceptin now every 3 weeks.  Last week, I managed to avoid the crud my family had by going into full haz mat mode and had bilaterally mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy/tissue expanders placed on 12/17.  My right breast and my sentinel nodes on the left and right showed no signs of malignancy, but my tumor on the left which was originally thought to be 8+ cm only shrunk to 6.5 cm so I am feeling discouraged by that.  Have others had neoadjuvent chemo and not had a complete pathological response?  I have read that not getting a complete pathological response increases the likelihood the cancer will return.  Have others read that?  I am also confused on my final path report because it lists the histological type as Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (post chemo) with grade 1 of 3.  Originally, pre chemo, my path report said IDC with mucinous and micropapuillary features with grade 1-2 of 3.  Have others path reports changed like that?  The reports were read by 2 different pathologists.  The surgeon is going to talk to the pathologist about some questions she had but he wasn't in today for her to ask and now with the holidays, it might not be until the first of the year.  Thank you for listening.  I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Blownaway, I'm glad there was no blockage. Bummer about needing the meds though. I'll keep my fingers crossed they work quickly so you can get back on Herceptin.

Chrissie, I agree with Elaine that PCR is a better predictor in triple negative and ER-/Her2+ than ER+/Her2+. The grade of the tumor can also make a difference in how it responds to Chemo. I have read where some tumor characteristics can change after chemo. I'm sure someone will come along that can explain things a little better.

Blown - cheese on toast ( my swearing when the kids are around) - that is just not right! But I'm glad they found it and will 'rest' you for a bit. I've seen other ladies have had this and it fixes itself. My MO always said, it fixes itself by being off the meds very quickly, but my second was fine, so we never had to discuss that much. Good luck to you!

chrissie29 I had surgery before chemo. I will never know what kind of response I got from it. I'm 4.5 years NED. The fact that you had no nodes is a good sign though. For all you know the cancer didn't spread and you might not even of needed the chemo. The odds are in your favor that you will beat this. If your cancer is lower grade or mostly lower grade the hormone therapy will probably work better than the chemo.

Happy Holidays everyone. We are starting another year of living!

Happy holiday's to all you girls !!!  Love the last line too Lago. 

Happy holidays ladies!

Agree-Lago!

~susan

i completed TCH #4 last week (of a planned 6), and really hit the wall this time. My previous SE's had been unpleasant but do-able ... but this time the severe constipation and stomach cramps, segue-ing into explosive diarrhea has knocked me flat. In addition, sleep has become elusive, so I am having lots of time to think about it all. I am considering asking my MO to cut off the TCH at 4, and switch to H-only now. Do you ladies have any thoughts or advice?

"May we dwell in the heart,

May we be free from suffering,

May we be healed wherever healing is called for,

May we be at peace."

My favorite meditation . Don't think I ever told you where I discovered it.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2013/08/08/li...

My MO had recommended a step up in the constipation/gas remedies (gas-X and Miralax vs. Dulcolax) but I hadn't gotten to town yet to get them when the tide turned. Thankfully, i was out with the dog at that time, so my house and my car were spared! After the initial deluges, the Immodium seems to be working.

I had been a bit skeptical of the basis for the 6 TCH protocol, but was willing to accept it as long as the SE's were moderate. The sleeplessness i had at first attributed to the stomach cramps, but did not ease last night, so I'll need to call them about that.

Thanks, ladies.

armamp95 I was hit with the severe constipation (stomach cramps are from that) at tx1. Ended up with terrible hemorrhoids from it too. What I found worked for me was the night of chemo I used Metamucil 3X a day as directed on the package (softens stool by bringing water to the crap). I took it till my stools were normal. about 4-5 days. Things did pass slower than normal but I did move. Metamucil can be good for diarrhea too but if you have severe diarrhea you might need to use something else.

Many of the other treatments for constipation, if you over treat will give you diarrhea. BTW for some reason many of us had issues with tx4. I hit a low point after it too. It's when I was diagnosed with LE. I also had sleep issues since my BMX and through chemo.

Note that you must drink water with Metamucil and don't take it more than 7 days unless your MD says you can. Metamucil works by softening the stool and making it bulkier. That's why it can work for both conditions and may prevent diarrhea when you treat the constipation.

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Thanks everyone.

armamp95

Curious , other than mx and tamoxifen , did you have any other treatments the first time?

Many of us ... Here in this forum who are are on the AI's seem to do pretty well for the first few years and are finding some difficulties a few years out. Not all of us for sure. Some seem to be going great .

Hello armamp95,

Sorry you are hitting a rough spot in treatment. I was doing pretty badly by treatment 4 and for my last 2 treatments they lowered the dose to 80% and the side effects were more bearable. Rather than totally stopping, you might want to consider having a reduced dose for your next treatment.... and maybe keep the option of quitting after 5. I just think that down the road if it does come back, at least you will know you did everything that you could to prevent it. Hope you start to feel better soon.