Calling all TNs

InspiredbyDolce

Is anyone else seeing a crazy looking page here?  Is it long and wide for you as well?

Would I still be able to benefit from Metformin, do you all know, if my cholesterol is 100% in the optimum range?  I ask, because my PCP gave me the ranges for all the cholesterol numbers, and I hit everything in the Optimum Range, which he said is really rare.  So do you think I would still be a good candidate to go on it, or is there a chance that my eating/exercise has been enough to not need Metformin?  I want your opinions, and of course, I know you all aren't doctors, but I am very interested in what you know about it in relation to that or anything.  Thank you again!

5thSib

Congrats Gillyone and Navymom on your 4 year marks.

InspiredbyDolce

You all know me and how I am .... I'm going to be very frustrated if I don't get to go on Metformin.    I'll present my Onc with any research I can find next week and try him again.  If he still says no, I'll try the PCP and see what he says.  Frankly, I'm a little stressed about this.  If it's supposed to be so beneficial to us, why are they so hesitant to allow us to go on it?

I saw my PS today, and made sure he checked me really good - I think everyone else is scared to handle me, he is the only one who is all over me.  So he did a real thorough upper body exam.  He and I decided we would see each other every 6 months, and he liked my idea of putting him on the alternating schedule of my BS at 6 months, so that way every 3 months someone is giving me a real good work up! 

Gilly and NavyMom - Congrats on your 4 years and Luah, yours is coming soon!  SlowLoris (Doreen) Congrats on the 1 year!

It is such a treat to see all these healthy victories. 

Oh yeah, I found a lurking violator in the house!  If you all remember, I got rid of everything upon my dx, scared it caused my bc.  Out with the laptop, the old telfon pots and pans, etc ... well I forgot that due to allergies, we had plastic covers on our boxsprings and a special mattress cover (below our regular cotton mattress cover).  The ones covering the box springs look like plastic shower curtains, and are probably made from non BPA plastic!  So yesterday I tore the bed apart, and stripped these plastic allergy covers off and then washed all the bedding again.  WHEW!  It was a big job managing that king size mattress by myself.  But I got it done, and slept much better last night, rolled up right against the invisible dust bunnies, but much happier knowing the plastic was not going to get me.  )

Have a great day everyone and thanks for the advice and tips!

- Nutrition - Visit this site for nutrition info.  Type in a food and find out how many fat grams, sugar, carbs and overall nutrition profile it has!

"Self Nutrition Data - Know What You Eat"

mags20487

I remember something about the metformin only being beneficial during chemo tx. Anyone else have any thoughts?



Maggie

Cocker_Spaniel

Hi Ladies

Inspired  no you aren't seeing things.  Not only are the post all the way over my screen,  and its a big comp screen, but all the names on the posts are wrong.  

I figure you girls are the ones with the good weather so please please send some my way.  It is so frecken cold here I am thinking of emigrating to the US.  All flights in and out of NZ are cancelled, ferries have stopped running, we are only being advised to travel if an emergency.  I just cannot stand the cold weather.  Its blowing an inhuman gale and I'm so rugged up with clothes I can hardly walk.  I am quite small in build and just not built for cold weather so please send me some of your warmth. 

Congratulations to all those ladies who have defied the odds.  You go girls and don't stop for anything.  You deserve triple your four years and many more.  Sympathies to all ladies going through treament but you will get there, so don't give up.     

To all those wondering about spending money now or later I say go somewhere and make memories (preferably somewhere warm).  Do something you have always wanted to do and blow the cost. Cancer or not we can't take it with us so think of yourselves now you sure as hell deserve it.  So go spend if you have it,  it will make you feel so much better and will be a kick up cancers arse. 

Have a good day and keep warm you  lucky sods lol

Annie               

InspiredbyDolce

Hi Maggie,

I've read that in can increase the effectiveness of being used with chemo.  But I'm not sure if that was the only benefit to Metformin, or if there is benefit to long-term use.  I'm reading up on it now though and will post any info that I find out!

http://strittermed.org/breast_equity/?p=44 This
is an authors recap of the impact Metformin had a 2010 San Antonio Breast
Cancer Symposium

mags20487

Annie...come on over baby..gotba spare room here in florida...only thing is its over 90...not pleasant when your arm is bandaged and body in compression!



Inspired...ther is a long thread about metformin on www.tnbcfoundation.org check it out







Maggie

JAN69

Cocker - So sorry for your weather!  I'm dreading the heat we will be getting in the summer.

Spending money -  I inherited a sizable amount of money just before my dx.  I took my DD & her family for a big  luxury stay in Hawaii and would love to do it again.  I hesitate because I have 7 grandkids who will need money for college (they are all brilliant, of course).  Also if I have a recurrence I might want to go to a more specialized cancer center away from here.  That would be costly.  Then, maybe I'll need assisted living as I lose my mind (more than I already have).  Or, I could just blow it on fun with family.  Jan

InspiredbyDolce

I tried to find the discussion but didn't find it.  I'll have to source actual articles from journals for my Onc though.  By the way, I did find a new article on TNBC Foundation that said researchers think they have identified 7 Different Subtypes of TNBC.

http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcnews_subtype.htm

InspiredbyDolce

Here is the full article, pulled from CancerNetwork.com - it was posted on June 7, 2013:

http://www.cancernetwork.com/conference-reports/asco2013/breast-cancer/content/article/10165/2146205

InspiredbyDolce

Here is a link to each Speaker and their Video from the 2013 ASCO Annual Meeting.  There are 12 videos and many of them regarding TNBC.

http://meetinglibrary.asco.org/presentationBySession/6027/1280

Sugar77

Hi ladies,

Hope you are all doing well.  It's been a while since I've posted but all is good with me.  Welcome to all the newbies, you'll get lot of support from the wonderful women on this thread.

Here's a link that might be of interest:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-06/uocm-fci061713.php

Take care.

InspiredbyDolce

I read the link you gave us Sugar.  That was very interesting!

Here is link:

- Nutrition - Visit this site for nutrition info.  Type in a food and find out how many fat grams, sugar, carbs and overall nutrition profile it has!

"Self Nutrition Data - Know What You Eat"

InspiredbyDolce

So we've been talking about Metformin, and along the lines of this, is how to regulate glucose or insulin.  You know you can find the Glycemic Index on NutritionData website.  But what about the Insulin Index?

Well, here is an interesting article (and several others out there that mention the same thing), talking about how "in general" the Glycemic Index has correlated to the Insulin Index, meaning when the GI has been high, so has the Insulin Index and when the GI has been low, so has the Insulin Index.  EXCEPT for these foods:

" ... There are some instances, however, where a food has a low glycemic value but a high insulin index value. This applies to dairy foods and to some highly palatable energy-dense "indulgence foods." Some foods (such as meat, fish, and eggs) that contain no carbohydrate, just protein and fat (and essentially have a GI value of zero), still stimulate significant rises in blood insulin ... "

I found this very intriguing, since I have read articles that suggest TNBC patients should limit their animal proteins, I wonder if this is why?!

Anyways, just passing along the link for those of who you follow a low Glycemic Index diet or Modified Mediterranean Diet or are trying to figure out what to eat.  http://www.mendosa.com/insulin_index.htm

One day I follow one list, the next day another.  It seems you can't get everything on one list.  Eat nuts, but too many and I'm over the fat grams suggested for a typical day.  Eat something else instead, such as whole wheat wasa crisp, then find out that has a high GI.  There's only like one thing that is on all the lists ... broccoli.    Well, maybe there are a few more things ... cauliflower and bell peppers.  That's great, I wonder what they taste like at 8AM. 

kathyrnn

Sugar - thanks for the link, it was very interesting. It is also nice to see you and know your doing well.



Mags -about the Metformin and chemo. What I remember reading was that when they caught on to the idea that Metformin had an effect in breast cancer they did a retrospective (looked back) at diabetics who where on Metformin during chemo. One of the things they discovered is that they seemed to have a better response to chemo. So yes Metformin does seem to improve the chemo response, but they don't feel that is it's only potential benefit.



Dolce - doctor's are hesitant to write orders for Metformin. It is still in the experimental stage and unproven at this point. You know how it is with studies........a year from now they could completely reverse their thinking about the benefits of taking it.



Annie - your complaints about the cold reminded me of how time flies. Seems it was just yesterday you were telling us how cold it was while you were still receiving your treatments. You've survived another round of the seasons. Oh, and it's still lovely here, come on over.

Luah

Re metformin: As I recall, one of the criteria for joining a trial was to be within a year of treatment (I was too late), so they must be researching overall positive effects not just chemo effectiveness. My onc wouldn't prescribe it, as she wants evidence of benefit before prescribing anything. However, I have heard that PCPs are not as reluctant, as they have had years of experience with metformin for their diabetic patients. So that's always an avenue.... I do think, however, that we can take some charge of this without drug prescriptions -- keep a healthy body weight, eat low GI foods, avoid sugar spiking.

On the research front, maybe you heard about this:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadian-researchers-develop-sharp-shooter-drug-to-fight-cancer/article12640010/#dashboard/follows/  And a follow-up column today indicates that this treatment may be particularly for TNs, even though it's years away:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/take-news-of-cancer-breakthrough-with-a-big-grain-of-salt/article12735079/#dashboard/follows/

Hope everyone has a nice weekend, summer officially here. 

Mumtobe

This day last year I was diagnosed with TNbc, today I am feeling great, what a year it has been. I am in France on holidays, starting back to work next week and have a beautiful healthy 8 month old baby girl. I put all my trust in God, he has the final say, NOT cancer!! May He be with you all xxx

bak94

Inspired-that is so interesting about the meat thing. Broccoli and coffee for breakfast! Yuck! I love broccoli, but it just won't do for breakfast!  I was vegetarian for a couple years but when I got diagnosed my mo said I needed to eat more proteins found in meat, so I started eating some, but I just don't like it! Don't think because I was vegetarian that I ate healthy. I ate way too many processed foods.

Kathy-I think I am just too shy! A bit ridiculous at the age of 46!

CS-I always love the pics you post! Your pup must be adorable! My animals are constantly entertaining me. My border collie mix Petey is crazy every time I take him for a walk, which is every day. He always finds a stick that is about 4-6 feet long and takes off running full speed with it, so everyone has to stay out of his path! He will then drop it and run in big circles and then Harley, my chihuahua, trys to stop him and usually gets a bit trampeled and I swear he sounds like a little girl screaming. Don't worry though, he just hops up and starts running again, he's just a bit of a drama queen! Ok, enough about my dogs.

kathyrnn

Luah - thanks for the link, new info is always interesting.



Mumtobe - wonderful to hear your good news. Please give your bundle of joy a kiss from me.



Bak and Dolce - I can tell you exactly what broccoli and coffee taste like for breakfast. (Though I tend to do it at night, because it takes time to prepare and clean the machine)

I started a diet change about a month ago based on the info I've read in several places that "Cancer Hates Cabbage". I started out juicing cabbage and broccoli every day. I put the juice in some V8 and microwave the pulp for about 30 sec and eat (the vegetables have to be near raw. Also they felt that the chewing released the nutrients from the vegetables. I forget what the exact nutrient was. Figure it can't be any more chewed than the pulp that comes out of a juicer. It was tolerable - but I'll tell you it cleaned me out so well I could have had a colonoscopy!!!

I did some more reading and found that the effect has been linked to all cruciferous (?sp) vegetables. (The only research I've found so far has only reported the positive effect in the ER+ BC's, but what the hell, some extra vegetables can't hurt me).

So into the juicer went, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok chow, and watercress. Again I drank the juice and ate the pulp. The only thing I can tell you about eating that combo is....it may not help, but it does make the thought of death an more agreeable thought. (Yuck! Yuck!) That night I woke up with abdominal pain. My stomach felt like that scene from the movie Alien!!!! Something was trying to claw it's way out!!!

I kept juicing but laid off on the pulp for a week. Last night I went back to both juice and pulp, but mixed the pulp into the juice (think vegetable slushie. It is not a joy, but it's easier to get down than eating the pulp.). No aliens last night....so I think I may be able to tolerate the combo this way.

It may do absolutely nothing for the cancer, but the extra vegetable nutrients in my diet can't hurt.....so I'm giving it a try, but I'll tell you it's only for the brave of heart!!!

slv58

Kathyrnn, if you have a blender, you may want to try that. I've been making protein smoothies for a few months now and quite like the taste. One scoop of protein powder, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup of fruit juice, 1/2cup of frozen fruit and a handful of kale, spinach, broccoli (I steam it for 3 minutes before freezing as it takes the bitterness completely out) or bok Choy. I'm not sure why, but after my DX I really craved dark green veggies, maybe I should listen to my body more!

slowloris

Cruciferous vegetables, spicy foods (Cayenne pepper), onions and mushrooms have all been said to have anti cancer properties. I remember seeing on Dr Oz (before my recurrence - wish I had paid more attention) that lima beans were one of the best for fighting bc specifically. I think they recommended 1/2 cup a day. I tried to since google that, but cant find the exact program, so I'm just going on memory.

I''ve been trying to gather info on metformin, so here's what I've found so far:

research trials for both chemo and metformin currently being done at columbia ny. A1C levels have to be < 6.5. They think those that have diabetes already don't have the same response. I think this is for recurrent or metestatic cancer.

There have been trials also for adjuvant, post surgical metformin use to see if it prevents recurrence. idk if they are still ongoing.

My recent cbc showed i had a low urea nitrogen level, which could be due to non alchoholic fatty liver disease. I had a us done before dx for ovarian pain,which showed I had a fatty liver. my A1C was also on the prediabetic scale. I Understand that Metformin is used for both conditions, so after I meet with mo in 3 wks , I will see pcp for annual exam and maybe she will prescribe it for me if I don't get into the clinical trial. I am currently on lipitor for high cholesterol, whichcan also help with nafl disease.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. Off to yet ANOTHER graduation party. My social schedule has never been busier!

Lori

bak94

You gals impress me, I need to get with the healthy eating. I do walk alot, but my diet has always been my downfall.

So I just about had a heart attack a few moments ago. I was sitting on my back porch replanting my medical plants. They are not doing too well, I certainly do not have a green thumb. Well, my property backs to a green belt and a park next to me, but I am pretty secluded by trees and plants. The very back part is not fenced, but I let the goaties roam around back there because they help with the maintenance and the kids at the park love them. Soon my goats came running back as they often do, they spook easily. Following the goats was a cop! yep, a cop in full uniform walikng into my backyard while I was transplanting my medical plants!!!! I just kept telling myself I am completely legal, I am legal, I have all the paperwork from my doc. I got up to greet him and he asked if those were my goats, I said yes, oh I am sorry they were roaming. He said no problem he just wanted to make sure they were close to home, and then he asked if everything was ok?! I said yep, then just started explaining more about the goats. He said no problem he wanted make sure they were ok! He was so nice, he then waved and took off! Whew! Well I am legal anyways, but I still get paranoid like I am doing something wrong. It's just a plant! Right? I don't think they are going to make it though. There goes my dreams of me making a nice subtle tea that wil help me sleep at night!

jenjenl

It takes sometime to master the growth of medical plants.  You'll get there....a few more trials.

Took the kids to the pool today - they had a blast.  I got some looks but my rash gaurd worked great and I was comfortable with my fake boob - I put it in an ahh bra.  I think there will be an early bed time for the kids.  Yummy pasta tonight but damn if I didn't eat 3 rolls...i can't resist bread. 

PeggySull

Has anyone started a Metformin topic thread here? There has been so much discussion I'm wondering if it doesn't warrant a separate area. What do you think?



Peggy

Stupidboob

Hey ladies.   Sorry I have not been around much.   I have been having some issues but I am trying.   You know how we can click on someones name and see everything that they posted, is there a way to see what we posted and the responses?

DorMac

Re: Metformin discussion, there is a topic under "Clinical Trials, Research, News and Study Results" called: 

Topic: Metformin-Anyone on this trial?

Doreen

Cocker_Spaniel

Kathy - I can do without a colonoscopy thanks so will just eat the green leafy veges that SLV58 eats.  I'm the other way round ladies I think well I got cancer so go for what you like. I've never been  into dieting, you wouldn't be able to see me, but I do have way too much sugar.  I can eat a bag of lollies at work every day, just sitting there chewing while I type.  I know, I know, too much sugar but what the heck. I just love roast dinners and fried chips and chippies (what do you call them, they are crisps in England and chippies here),  and anything else thats not good for you.  But the thing is will it make a difference now at my age. I really couldn't be bothered with all that juicing. Don't have time in the morning cause I'm usually running late anyway. I just think eat what you enjoy while you can and if I put on weight well so what, bigger ladies have lovely sunshine humour personalities and thats what counts not the weight.

BAK94 I really want to know what dog that is in your avatar.  He/she looks absolutely gorgeous.  I could just put my arms around it, give it a hug and take it home. 

It's the weekend ladies so forget your juicing  and healthy eating and just live it up.  

Cocker_Spaniel

InspiredbyDolce

Kathrynn and Bak:  I'm missing the coffee/broccoli thing.  Was that it the link I sent?  LOL  I stopped drinking coffee and diet coke and alcohol upon my bc diagnosis. 

I eat about 9 servings of fruits/veggies a day, like this:  Whole Vitamix Blender full of Kale and 1 cup of blueberries and 2 tbsp flax seed in the AM.

Lunch:  Steamed carrots/brocolli or at Dinner:  Steamed brocolli, carrots, red pepper, zucchini, squash and maybe spinach.

During the day for a snack:  Another whole red, or orange or yellow or green bell pepper cut into slices.  And 1 whole clove of garlic, eaten very fast, as it is hot, and you have to hurry and drink water.

I considered juicing, but the expense, time for little amount I didn't pick it up.  Now, I did read that the benefit of blending is the fiber.

So I do plan on making something in the blender other than this kale drink.  I tried a modified V-8 version a few weeks ago, and 1 sip had to get rid of it.

I have also heard of cabbage being especially helpful.  So I try to get cabbage, but it's not often at Trader Joe's, so I don't have it as much, but every day I do have kale or cauliflower.

I'll check out that forum and see if that's an active topic and report back to you all!

- Nutrition - Visit this site for nutrition info.  Type in a food and find out how many fat grams, sugar, carbs and overall nutrition profile it has!

"Self Nutrition Data - Know What You Eat"

InspiredbyDolce

Mumtobe:  Thank you for the wonderful update, and inspiring words.