Lifestyle changes

hatingcancer

Good afternoon,

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 IDC last June and since then I have had a lumpectomy, 4 rounds of chemo and 16 radiation treatments.  I am now on taxoxifen for 5 years as I was also hormone +.  I got through everything really well so was very fortunate.  I make a conscious effort to walk everyday for close to an hour and have lost 14.5 lbs.  I am trying to make changes to my diet by eating more fruits and vegetables but now my oncologist tells me to stay away from processed meats, barbecue meats and to limit my alcohol intake to 2 to 3 drinks per week.  I am trying to be proactive but I really hate the thought of always having to worry about what I am eating or if I have had more than the recommended limit of alcohol (I'm not a huge drinker but enjoy a few drinks with friends!).  Just wondering how the rest of you are making changes or is this something you worry about?  Thanks!   

Momine

I try to keep to two drinks per week and a healthy diet, but it is not something that I find all that worrying really. I never ate a lot of processed meat, but I do like bacon and that has had to go along with the prosciutto, but it seems doable to me.

hatingcancer

Thanks for your input!  I appreciate it.  Have a great day!

camillegal

Oh wow good for u. There are topics on here for deit and excercise that would probably interest u too. And listening to the Dr. is u'r best bet--and believe me the women (men) on here have loads of info on so many subjects--so u've come to the right place. I'm not a good example, but I applaud everyone who is  And I do know walking is so so good for u'r body so keep that up..

LittleMelons

Hi hatingcancer - I see we're both in the "IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-" club.  Frankly, I'm not changing my lifestyle at all.  I have always adhered to the"everything in moderation" school and continue to follow that lifestyle.  I have 2-3 drinks per week, eat processed meat about once a week,  eat BBQ once in a while, and generally eat lots of fruits and veggies.  I don't eat only organic or avoid red meat, but do try to eat a varied diet including fish, chicken and limited red meat.  Like you, I walk every day for about 40 minutes.

You see women who eat organic, are vegetarians, do regular strenuous exercise, in short, do all the right things, and still get bc.  Sounds like you have a good balanced lifestyle already.  So I wouldn't worry about everything you eat...just enjoy life and try to put bc at the back of your mind.

Cheers!

camillegal

Little melons----that was really good advice--Loved it.

Stormynyte

BBQ is bad for reasons other than being red meat? I hadn't heard anything specifically about BBQ before.

hatingcancer

Thanks!  You are right.  I'm sure my life will get back to normal soon.  This is all so fresh and I'm nervous and worry about everything I hear but I am working on that!  I agree with you about everything in moderation.  You can't give up living.  Have a great day!

hatingcancer

Apparently cooking meat at such a high heat gives off a certain chemical that is bad but one website I checked said if you marinate your meat beforehand, it lowers this.  Also, never cook it until well done.  

Stormynyte

Well crap, I always cook it well done, that is the only way I can eat it. I don't eat meat often anyway, but when I do there can not be any pink. The thought of eating blood will pop in my head then I can't eat it at all. lol