questions for TN survivors of 2+ yrs.

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skigrl
skigrl Member Posts: 53
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed on10-2-08 with TNBC, i am almost done rads 6 more. And i hope to be done with cancer forever. My questions to you long term survivors is did you do anything different as far as eating differently after treatments were done? I have read that one should cut out acidic foods as cancer cells feed off of those types of foods. and that one should try to make the body alkaline.So no coffee, sodas, chocolate, or any acidic foods.

Do you exercise more? Lost weight? take supplements? I want to do whatever i can so i will be here for my kids 8 and 6 for a long time.

Also i was on birth control pills for 6-7 months , stopping them feb.08 and then finding a lump in may of 08. I was wondering if any of you were on BC pills before finding out of your cancer? I wonder if that had anything to do with me getting BC?

I feel like my oncologist is letting me float out in the open water now that treatment is finished. I am at a small hospital in Maine and sometimes i think i cant get all the info that is available.

Thanks for all reply's.

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  • pas
    pas Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2009

    Hi skigrl,

     I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in my left breast, had lumpectomy, back in July of 2005.  2.1 centimeters, node negative, grade 3.   I did 4 rounds of AC and 4 rounds of taxotere with xeloda and then 33 radiation treatments.  This year I decided to take the genetic testing just on a hunch because of family history and I was positive for the brca2 gene.  I just had a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy in February and am getting ready to have my tissue expanders exchanged for silicone implants on july 2nd.  I also back in January, had an oophorectomy just to be on the safe side.  I am 46 now and feel great.  I have to be honest, the only real change I made was that I stopped drinking alcohol back in 2005.  I had heard so many reports on alcohol and for some reason, that's what scared me.  I just this year started having an occassional beer or glass of wine.  For me, I had decided that I can't be scared of everything because as you know, they are constantly saying something causes cancer!  I just try and do everything in moderation.  My surgeon did tell me that trying to keep myself at a healthy weight is definitely a good thing because it can put a person at higher risk for cancer of many types, not to mention other diseases.  Of course, I know that a healthy weight is just common sense for basic health but I'm still fighting that battle.  After my surgery is all done, that is my next goal, weight loss.  I really liked Susan Love's Breast Cancer Book, it is so imformative and also all the websites like this one and Facing our Risk.  Good Luck to you and if you ever have any questions, please feel free to email me at dixieandsugar@gmail.com 

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  • Nickig
    Nickig Member Posts: 357
    edited June 2009

    Hello-

    I was dx w/ IDC, stg 2, grade 3, ER/PR/HER-, 1+/39 nodes, BRCA1+ in Sept 2004 (age 36). I had b/l mast.10/04,  4 AC + 4 Taxotere txs- AND THATS IT! I feel ya with feeling like your "floating" out there. I did the reconstruction in 2006. Lots of scans and stuff over the last 4+ years (out of fear and want to be proactive) all were negative for cancer. I haven't done too much to change my lifestyle other than try to avoid soy products (onc told me moderation is ok- no soy supplements) I have also started to do something to keep that belly fat and/or fat intake to a minimal. I'm still a heavy coffee drinker. Love it! I still love my hamburgers and steak. I am approaching my 5yr mark (and 42nd birthday & son's 8th birthday) and I thank this website and my doctors for being proactive with me. This journey is a struggle both physically and mentally.

    Send me a private message if you have any other questions.

    Take care!

    Nicki

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  • Debonthelake
    Debonthelake Member Posts: 244
    edited June 2009

    I'm not a two year survivor yet.  But, the Strange Cancer Prevention Diet Book is the best one I've found.  It is research based, a great diet and not nearly impossible to incorporate into your life-style.  My oncologist told me a low-fat diet, regular vigourous exercise and lean body mass reduce recurrence by 50% and some research is showing that such a life style is as good as chemo.  So why not do both?  I'm working on vamping up a healthy life style and praying that it works.

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  • HollyHopes
    HollyHopes Member Posts: 497
    edited June 2009

    Hello skigrl...I am almost 2 years out and though I know I should lose weight, not drink alcohol etc...I can't seeme to make myself do it...so many women I know didi everything 'right' and still got the dread disease...as to your oncologist.  I can recommend a wonderful one in Maine - Tom Openshaw...you can email or PM me for more info if you want...

    love,

    H

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