This forum is a safe, judgement-free place to discuss Alternative medicine. Alternative medicine refers to treatments that are used INSTEAD of
standard, evidence-based treatment. Breastcancer.org does NOT recommend or endorse alternative medicine.
Posted on:
Aug 6, 2012 06:37PM
- edited
Aug 8, 2012 10:31AM
by
Natkat
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Natkat
wrote:
Hello please post here ONLY if you are researching or using natural tx to address hormone responsive cancer. Please stay on topic - no posts about standard drugs or ovary removal. No posts about general anti cancer. Thread for people who need alternatives SPECIFIC to hormone responsive cancers
Will share my own research and looking foward to hearing about yours
Thank you
Dx
6/2012, ILC, 4cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+
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GoKale4320
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Aug 28, 2020 05:34AM
GoKale4320
wrote:
https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/wp-content/uploads...
This link is the transcript of an interview that Chris Wark did with Dr Joel Fuhrman about nutrition and boosting immunity. The actual video can be seen on Chris Wark's web page, ChrisBeatCancer.com
Dx: January 2017, IDC, Stage IIa, 1/23 nodes, <1cm Chemo 2/16/17 Cytoxan Taxotere x4 Radiation 6/8/2017, natural alternative to tamoxifen
Dx
1/2017, IDC, Right, <1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 1/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
Evista (raloxifene)
PebblesV
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Aug 28, 2020 11:38PM
PebblesV
wrote:
Great link - thanks GoKale!
Dx
9/7/2018, IDC, Right, 1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 2/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (FISH)
Surgery
9/19/2018 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
10/29/2018 Whole-breast: Breast, Lymph nodes
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
BlueGirlRed…
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Sep 4, 2020 03:45PM
BlueGirlRedState
wrote:
I've read that melatonin might reduce estrogen as well as increasing the effectiveness of drugs that affect estrogen. This study listed/described many studies, concluding that it should be studied. You might want to track down the specific studies that are cited. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017232/
Cowgirl13
SF Bay Area
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Sep 4, 2020 09:54PM
Cowgirl13
wrote:
Booboo, I second contacting exbrnxgrl. She is very knowledgeable and also very kind.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the Devil says: 'Oh crap! She's up!
Dx
5/28/2009, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIA, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Surgery
6/17/2009
Chemotherapy
8/3/2009 Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Radiation Therapy
12/21/2009
Hormonal Therapy
2/22/2010 Arimidex (anastrozole)
booboo1
FL
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Sep 5, 2020 05:46AM
booboo1
wrote:
Thanks all. I did contact her, and she was very helpful. I appreciate all of your responses. God bless.
Laurie (aka Booboo)
Surgery
5/15/2013 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Dx
1/2017, DCIS, Left, 1cm, Stage 0, metastasized to bone/liver, Grade 2, 1/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (FISH)
Chemotherapy
Xeloda (capecitabine)
Hormonal Therapy
Faslodex (fulvestrant)
Hormonal Therapy
Femara (letrozole)
Targeted Therapy
Ibrance (palbociclib)
Chemotherapy
AC + T (Taxol)
Radiation Therapy
3DCRT: Breast
Kzena
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Nov 1, 2020 12:27PM
Kzena
wrote:
great question ..no answer
Dx
1/26/2016, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
2/12/2016 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
3/28/2016 Whole-breast: Breast
Aseye
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Nov 22, 2020 02:24AM
- edited
Nov 22, 2020 02:24AM
by
Aseye
I am wondering if anyone knows anyone premenoposal with high Er with lots of nodes involved and just went natural with no reoccurrence
Dx
4/12/2019, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIIB, Grade 2, 20/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
abigailj
New York City
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Nov 22, 2020 06:22AM
abigailj
wrote:
Sorry Aseye, I haven’t heard of any. I chose not to take AIs but I was 62 at diagnosis. I am taking a DIM supplement (in addition to a bunch of others that I was taking before my diagnosis) and do take melatonin more nights than not for sleep-had no idea it may reduce estrogen until I read it above in this thread. Hope you find a treatment course that works for you
Dx
1/2020, ILC/IDC, Both breasts, 2cm, Stage IB, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
6/23/2020 Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): DIEP flap, SIEA flap; Reconstruction (right): DIEP flap, SIEA flap
MelissaDall…
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Nov 22, 2020 07:04AM
MelissaDallas
wrote:
Aseye, anyone who would encourage a premenopausal woman with IIIB cancer and 20/21 positive nodes who is at such extremely high risk of recurrence and especially metastatic disease does not have their best interest at heart, or is extremely unschooled and ignorant as to the consequences of ignoring best medical practices
LCIS, extensive sclerosing adenosis, TAH/BSO & partial omentectomy for mucinous borderline ovarian tumor.
Aseye
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Nov 22, 2020 09:21AM
Aseye
wrote:
MelissaDallas thanks for your thoughts I have under gone all conventional treatment available for me and currently on tamoxifen. I asked because this is a tread for treating estrogen responsive cancer naturally so I'm wondering if anyone has a success story to share
Dx
4/12/2019, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIIB, Grade 2, 20/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
dtad
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Nov 23, 2020 05:04AM
dtad
wrote:
Aseye...I never took an aromatase inhibitor. Ive been trying to lower my estrogen levels naturally since my diagnosis almost 6 years ago. I lost 30 pounds, try to exercise daily and take several supplements. So far so good!
Dx
3/20/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
4/10/2015, ILC, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
5/21/2015 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
Aseye
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Nov 23, 2020 05:11AM
Aseye
wrote:
dtad... did you have lymph nodes involved, were you premenoposal or post menopausal at diagnosis
Dx
4/12/2019, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIIB, Grade 2, 20/21 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
PebblesV
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Jan 3, 2021 02:05AM
PebblesV
wrote:
Aseye - there is a thread for stage 2 with lymph node involvement here that maybe you can ask the question to:
https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/145/topics/743397?page=75#idx_2232
As for me, I did the surgery (lumpectomy) to remove the lump, followed by radiation since I had 2 positive nodes, and am also on tamoxifen. I chose a middle path - while I said yes to some treatment, I also said no to some (said no to a full axillary node dissection due to the high risk of lymphedema for example, and luckily had a low enough Oncotype score where I did not need chemo).
I’m 2.5 years out so currently in the feeling fine but still anxious stage. Hopefully one day we can all come back here as success stories
Dx
9/7/2018, IDC, Right, 1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 2/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (FISH)
Surgery
9/19/2018 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
10/29/2018 Whole-breast: Breast, Lymph nodes
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
mlenk7
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Jan 23, 2021 01:23PM
mlenk7
wrote:
hi dtad I'd love to hear which supplements you're taking. I had surgery 2 wks ago for same stats as yours but had lumpectomy. Pretty sure no meds for me so thinking of I3C. I'm already on a 100% whole food plant based diet so am very thin. I exercise daily but think I'll step that up after reading your posts :)
PAKNC
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Feb 9, 2021 11:12AM
PAKNC
wrote:
I have not necessarily given up on medications but I stopped Tamoxifen in late December after six months because I turned pre-diabetic quickly and my provider suspected that I may be a non-responder due to my DCIS progression during that time (I'm currently planning surgery and was in a clinical trial for active monitoring). I don't want to take AI's for various reasons.
Since I stopped Tamoxifen, I decided to start BreastDefend a month ago, which has DIM and other ingredients that I believe are natural aromatase inhibitors. I have noticed that the shoulder pain I had on Tamoxifen, which was minor but definitely worsened a bit (I had some stiffness before starting it), has really flared up on BreastDefend. I am starting to think, well, maybe this means it's working? I have heard general comments re: Tamoxifen that if you have no symptoms, it may not be working much for you. I didn't have any bad side effects other than turning insulin resistant.
Has anyone else experienced joint pain on DIM or other natural aromatase inhibitors?
Diagnosed at 56. Did active surveillance in clinical trial + Tamoxifen for 6 months, cryoablation in 02/21 due to DCIS progression. Stopped Tamoxifen, per provider's ok - turned prediabetic, poor responder. Weighing AI options.
Dx
3/23/2020, DCIS, Left, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Dx
5/29/2020, DCIS, Left, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Hormonal Therapy
6/30/2020 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Jinx27
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Feb 16, 2021 07:28AM
- edited
Feb 16, 2021 07:32AM
by
Jinx27
@PAKNC
I have read up on Breast Defend and was very excited to try it. However I became very nervous about the estrogenic effect of some of the herbs in the capsule. Did a provider say it was okay? Id love to know because I really like the supplement.
Diagnosed @ 27 y/o, possible familial cancer genetic mutation. Current treatment: Lupron + Arimidex
Dx
9/8/2015, DCIS/IDC, Both breasts, 4cm, Stage IIB, Grade 3, 3/36 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
11/17/2015 Reconstruction (left): Free TRAM flap; Reconstruction (right): Free TRAM flap
Chemotherapy
1/1/2016 AC + T (Taxol)
Hormonal Therapy
8/29/2016 Arimidex (anastrozole), Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
PAKNC
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Feb 16, 2021 10:28AM
PAKNC
wrote:
@Jinx27
No provider told me to take it, I opted to take it while waiting for surgery. I will ask an oncologist about it when I have that appointment in the next month. I am currently on nothing as I wait for surgery. My shoulder joint pain has gone down since I stopped it. Not sure if it's the DIM or not. My biggest concern first is to address the pre diabetes that Tamoxifen caused and get my blood sugar / triglycerides under control. I am not willing to start another medication until I have this fixed through dietary changes, increased exercise, etc. Then, I can entertain either a natural supplement or try an AI for six months to see what it does to my metabolic syndrome. Right now, I'm not willing to take a medication if it makes me diabetic in return. My nutritionist recommended Broccoprotect, it's also less expensive than BreastDefend. Broccoprotect is supposed to reduce the "bad estrogen." I can't eat cruciferous vegetables due to a food sensitivity. Again, recognizing that none of these natural supplements are likely going to be as powerful as a drug, they may be an option for some women.
Diagnosed at 56. Did active surveillance in clinical trial + Tamoxifen for 6 months, cryoablation in 02/21 due to DCIS progression. Stopped Tamoxifen, per provider's ok - turned prediabetic, poor responder. Weighing AI options.
Dx
3/23/2020, DCIS, Left, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Dx
5/29/2020, DCIS, Left, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Hormonal Therapy
6/30/2020 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
purple32
MA
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Feb 21, 2021 05:22AM
purple32
wrote:
I haven't taken anything ( Osteoporosis here with 6 FX/ cannot do aromatase) and high blood clot risk CATCH 22 , but after 8 yrs had a recurrence ( UGH) just this past FEB. POST menopausal btw. Would like to know more about DIM...BEST source to buy ' the real deal' as well as any SEs . PMs welcome. Thank you to all
BILAT LE! from 5.12.12.LX DX 3/2012 IDC <1 cm stage 1 GR 1 ( 0/2 nodes) ER PR pos HER2- RECURRENCE same breast Jan 2020 LX FEB 2020 . NO rads or hormones.
Dx
3/2012, IDC, Left, <1cm, Grade 1, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Surgery
5/1/2012 Lumpectomy: Left
GoKale4320
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Feb 24, 2021 11:56AM
- edited
Feb 24, 2021 12:16PM
by
GoKale4320
Hi Purple 32- I buy most of my vitamins from LifeExtension.com They ship quickly.
I have also gotten a lot of information from NutritionFacts.org
The China Study- by Colin Campbell
Elyn Jacobs website: ElynJacobs.com has a ton of information on nutrition, particularly about estrogen metabolism and natural alternatives to Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors. She is not a doctor, though.
Dx: January 2017, IDC, Stage IIa, 1/23 nodes, <1cm Chemo 2/16/17 Cytoxan Taxotere x4 Radiation 6/8/2017, natural alternative to tamoxifen
Dx
1/2017, IDC, Right, <1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 1/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
Evista (raloxifene)
purple32
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Feb 25, 2021 01:02PM
- edited
Mar 1, 2021 08:10AM
by
purple32
This Post was deleted by purple32.
BILAT LE! from 5.12.12.LX DX 3/2012 IDC <1 cm stage 1 GR 1 ( 0/2 nodes) ER PR pos HER2- RECURRENCE same breast Jan 2020 LX FEB 2020 . NO rads or hormones.
Dx
3/2012, IDC, Left, <1cm, Grade 1, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Surgery
5/1/2012 Lumpectomy: Left
GoKale4320
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Feb 26, 2021 10:48AM
- edited
Feb 26, 2021 10:53AM
by
GoKale4320
Purple - I guess I misunderstood your comment. I thought you asked where people buy vitamins. I just added some resources for further reading.
From the information I have read, I have made many changes in my lifestyle that are holistic not pharmaceutical.
Take care!
Dx: January 2017, IDC, Stage IIa, 1/23 nodes, <1cm Chemo 2/16/17 Cytoxan Taxotere x4 Radiation 6/8/2017, natural alternative to tamoxifen
Dx
1/2017, IDC, Right, <1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 1/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
Evista (raloxifene)
dtad
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Feb 27, 2021 05:22AM
dtad
wrote:
Hi Aseye...so sorry I did not see your post until now. No I did not have lymph node involvement. I was post menopausal at the time of my diagnosis but I hadn't gone for a mammogram for 7 years so there is a small chance I was premenopausal. I was on hormone replacement for those years and believe it was a huge contributing factor in the breast cancer. Hope this helps!
Dx
3/20/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
4/10/2015, ILC, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
5/21/2015 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
dtad
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Feb 27, 2021 05:25AM
dtad
wrote:
meink7...so sorry I didn't see your post sooner. I take Breast Defend, melatonin, mushroom extract and baby aspirin. Hope this helps!
Dx
3/20/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
4/10/2015, ILC, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
5/21/2015 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
happycook
PA
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Feb 27, 2021 06:23AM
- edited
Feb 27, 2021 05:17PM
by
happycook
Hi dtad, I had sent a private message to you, asking about your supplements, but I see them on this thread. I take all of those except the breast Defend. But I take DIM which is probably in the breast Defend. Also, I take vitamin D and K2, curcumin, and also calcium d gluterate which helps expel excess estrogen and toxins from liver from what I understand. Also, daily matcha green tea:)
Best to you!:)
Dx
6/1/2020, IDC, Left, 3cm, Stage IB, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Radiation Therapy
9/1/2020
dtad
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Feb 28, 2021 05:51AM
dtad
wrote:
happycook...sent you a PM too!
Dx
3/20/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
4/10/2015, ILC, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
5/21/2015 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
purple32
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Feb 28, 2021 08:17AM
purple32
wrote:
This Post has been removed by the Community.
BILAT LE! from 5.12.12.LX DX 3/2012 IDC <1 cm stage 1 GR 1 ( 0/2 nodes) ER PR pos HER2- RECURRENCE same breast Jan 2020 LX FEB 2020 . NO rads or hormones.
Dx
3/2012, IDC, Left, <1cm, Grade 1, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Surgery
5/1/2012 Lumpectomy: Left
BlueGirlRed…
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Feb 28, 2021 09:34AM
BlueGirlRedState
wrote:
dtad - BreastDefend. Looks like it could help. NIH has post how it seems to boost Tamoxifen. I wonder if it would help with AIs. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic... . My DR reluctant to talk much about suppements, since often not well studied and could interfere with an "approved" drug. . But AIs block, and I guess Tamoxifen interferes with production of ER. I use a lot of tumeric in foods, and take GAIA supplement. Eat lots of mushrooms.
dtad
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Mar 1, 2021 06:36AM
dtad
wrote:
BlueGirlRedState...not surprised your doc wouldn't discuss supplements. They simply are not educated on the subject. it is not part of their curriculum in med school. I guess we have to be our own advocates. Best of luck.
Dx
3/20/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Dx
4/10/2015, ILC, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
5/21/2015 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
MelissaDall…
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Mar 1, 2021 08:21AM
MelissaDallas
wrote:
Actually, it is just the opposite BlueGirlRedState. Tamoxifen keeps circulatingestrogen from binding to the estrogen receptors and AIs block production/synthesis of estrogen.
LCIS, extensive sclerosing adenosis, TAH/BSO & partial omentectomy for mucinous borderline ovarian tumor.