Can we talk? about drinking...

carol1949

I have read in many publications that the reservatrol in red wine is good for cancer, but only one glass per day. 

For me, it is about quality of life.  Wouldn't we all feel foolish and angry if we did everything they say to do and cancer still came  back?

I am reading where more and more people are being incouraged even by physicians to become more holistic and use alternative therapies as well as traditional.

weesa

Well, Celtic, I thought this thread would inspire you with a sassy comeback, but so far, nothing.

AnacortesGirl

Here's another thought for everyone.  I was tested positive for BRCA2.  The stats for getting bc vary according to the specific mutation found.  In my case, the mutation gives a 87% chance of getting bc by age 80.  So for me, and the others in my family who inherited it, this trumps all the other studies out there for percentages.

But what about the other 5 genes that they feel are contributors that they can't test for yet?  Or the ones they don't know about yet? Maybe those are just as high in the stats?

I believe these comments are right on track.  We don't know if those women were following their treatments.  We don't know if they have gene mutation that skews their re-ocurrences.  Quality of life is so important.  If we use common sense and feel good about what we are doing I think we're more likely to stick to treatment.  And feeling good about what we are doing just adds to our positive lifestyles.  Guilt will just erode it.

If my chemo allows me to enjoy one glass of wine at Christmas with my family around me then I'm going for it. 

wrsmith2x

Well I had just written a stellar post that suddenly went away so I guess that was karma's way of telling me to shut up.  But I wanted to say this:  I was just giving my two cents about drinking and recurrence.  I drink what I want when I want it and do not worry about recurrence.  It will either happen or it won't.  But when I drink I make sure to surround myself with love and laughter so it makes it worth whatever issues drinking brings to me.  Don't let cancer win.

Celtic_Spirit

Weesa,

I'm all out of sass. Just spent all night at the Philadelphia Airport, waiting for my 6:15 am flight. I finally got back to San Diego around 11:30 am today. I'm working on no sleep since 10 am Monday morning and only two cups of coffee. Let me get a good night's sleep and I'll be back to wisenheiming in the morning!

tchmuzik

I'm so glad I found this section of breastcancer.org - didn't realize you guys were here.   Will be sure and check back in - the stage 3 cancer has had me spooked ever since dx.  It is good to know that you are here and I can learn from you -

I like beer - was not a big drinker or anything before dx - if we spent a weekend at the lake I might consume more beer then - but only during that time.   It's hard to know what to do now - I have to agree with someone on here who said it is almost like it is a crap shoot - you just never know how things are going to fall out.   I was in great shape, good health - watched what I ate - kept my weight under control - etc etc and then cancer!!   Go figure.   

Happy Holidays to all of you!!

 Stephanie

karen1956

Stephanie....am I reading your signature correctly.....you are a 31 year survivor?!  Hugs

Pure

All I know is the minute I push my baby out I am going to come home and have a big glass of wine. I don't drink much but I got my diagnosis while prego so I have had no wine since I found out ....Also, prior I didn't drink -now I plan on living it up a bit more. I will just limit it to one night once a week or a glass on fri and glass on saturday.

It's funny everyone in my family lived into their 90"s-even 98. They drank a whole lot of wine and lots of olive oil.

KerryMac

Everyone in my family has lived until over 80 too - my Nana is still going strong in her 90's!

Texas357

NatsFan: Thanks for putting the stats into perspective! After I was diagnosed, I looked up the BC stats for Italy and France and found that they weren't all that different than our own. 

I've always enjoyed my glass of wine while I was fixing dinner, and I really resent that this disease has taken so much from me including this simple pleasure. Like so many others, I did everything right before diagnosis, and the stats drive me crazy. I tried non-alcoholic wine and poured it down the sink. UGGH!

Even if this study doesn't truly apply, I've decided to try to limit myself to 2 drinks a week. Why tempt fate? But I refuse to stop completely. Life is for living not merely existing.

tchmuzik

Karen - lol - you are the FIRST person who has noticed this error!!!   I can only say that it was probably chemo brain - ha ha - when I signed up on this site!!!   If only I was a 31 year survivor - wouldn't that be wonderful?   I was diagnosed dec - 2007 - thank you for pointing this out - I have changed it.

SpunkyGirl

This is a great thread!  Here's my two cents.  The only info I know about this study is that it was done by epidemiologists, and that it didn't include any information on how this large number of women was broken down by age, type of BC, comorbid issues, etc. and it didn't say whether there was statistical significance between those who died of BC and those who did not.  It reminds me of all the information that has been out there on soy and whether it is safe to consume.  For a long time, the experts said don't consume it, and now they are saying that it is beneficial to those of us with BC.  After at least 30 years of keeping good statistics on BC, I think they still stink at telling us what we should and shouldn't do.  I say everything in moderation.  Try to exercise at least three days a week, even if it is by getting in the habit of parking at the end of the lot at the store or walking the stairs.  Try to eat your fruits and veggies.  AND, have a glass of wine but don't overdo it.  I reach for one (or a beer) about every other night and I'm okay with that.

Hugs to All

Bobbie

Gabrielle

Here is my New Years Eve drink -- I highly recommend it. 

Egg nog, vodka, kaluah (sp?), milk and Hershey's chocolate sauce.  Yum!!! 

Happy New Year everyone!!

-Gabrielle  

karen1956

Gabrielle.....I'm not a fan of egg nog or kaluah or liquor these days....red wine is my choice....already had a glass or so with dinner.....would love another one, but afraid I'll fall asleep.

Happy 2010.

weesa

Gabrielle, what an incredible drink...think I'll try it. You know, it has all the major food groups: the fat group, the sugar group, the alcohol group and the brown group (my favorite). It even has some calcium and some protein--am thinking it is a complete dietary formula. I will call it the Gabrielle Special.

Gabrielle

Weesa,

 LOL!  I'm not sure any of us are getting enough Hershey's chocolate syrup.  Next time, I drink it straight up. 

Enjoy your wine, Karen! 

-Gabrielle

havehope

Happy New Year! Wish you all, years of health, joy and happines!