Supplements/Alternative Support for TNBC

Jojobird

Hello TNBC sisters!

I often read about supplements such as hops or flax seed that "help" prevent breast cancer, but there is often a caveat that these target estrogen, or hormones related to breast cancers in general. Do these also work to support prevention of TNBC, in your experience? My hunch is no, since our "club" of cancer is not hormone receptive.

What are some things you are doing/taking to support your immune systems?

I am:

Eating lots of cruciferous veggies daily

Eating shiitake and maiitake mushrooms

Making a morning smoothie with antioxidant fruits/veggies

Walking daily (even during current AC chemo, when I can)

Cutting back on sugar

Meditating (even if for 5 min)

Taking turkey tail supplements

AND

Cutting myself slack big time if I am too tired or don't always follow the program.

Wishing you health and healing,

Jojo

Yvette66

Hi Jojo:

I was already eating a plant based (no animal products) diet when I was diagnosed but I certainly took it to new levels after diagnosis. I read the China Study and The Starch Solution and fine tuned my diet. I eliminated oil and even cut back (not eliminate) my healthy fats. Lots of salads, legumes, rice, oats and potatoes. I do eat some fruit but am not as much of a fruit eater as I am veggies. I use a mixture of spices that are supposed to be "anti-cancer" (Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Cumin) that I keep on hand and use on many things. I also eat foods known to be pre-probiotic and exercise daily. I am well aware that many of these things could have no impact on cancer but it is important to me to feel like I am actively doing all I can; this helps with my mental health...

I am a big believer in making your body healthy from the inside out and made every effort to do so during treatment. I was fortunate enough to have mild side effects during chemo and worked out six days a week. Toward the end of chemo, the Carboplatin was really knocking back my blood counts so all I could do was ride my spin bike but I kept going. Again, I know I am fortunate as nausea was not an issue for me; I had mild stomach cramping but did not struggle with nausea.

I had my surgery six weeks ago and have just had two of my thirty-three radiation treatments. I am feeling better all the time.

It's great that you are looking at diet and you are exercising as you can. I never did get into meditation but I imagine the benefits would be great!

Keep up the good work! Best of luck in the coming months.

Yvette

Jojobird

Thank you for the reply, Yvette! I admire your commitment to fitness and diet. Keep it up!