natural girls

mom of boys - I think it is interesting how the study

"did not factor in potentially important variables, including obesity, diabetes, and the effect of breast cancer treatment on risk"

• to me, it seems the study does not account for so many of the things that cause heart disease - with or without breast cancer. Seems that the breast cancer variable is negated without taking these variables into account!

I, personally, found the article interesting because my heart health is a primary reason I am not staying on the Femara.  Both of my parents have had heart attacks... my mom had one in her 50s!  Until I was dx with BC, my genetic future would have led me down the heart path... not down the cancer path.  Go figure. 

I'm at least happy that the article generally acknowledges that we are more than a single component! 

Patty...congrats from me too on your deportation!!!

Althea...Yes, I have some stevia...it was recommended on the Adkins diet.  I'm so used to not using any sweetener that it is a weird sweetness for me.  Honey just tasted less fake.  Obviously straight cocoa must have some kind of sweetness added or it is just too bitter.  Thank you for telling me that stevia can lower blood pressure.  If it can do that then I should be using it all the time, so I will make sure to use it even if just for that.  I really want to get off my blood pressure medicine.  Thanks again. 

I just love being deported!!! I did not sleep well last night because of it but it will be better tonight, I hope!

Jenny - this Thursday you and all of us will be doing the "chemo blast dance" with you. Are you getting some hair back yet??

Luna - may I ask why are you on the adkins diet? I do mean to sound negative but isn't that the one that is very unhealthy? If you want to lose weight eat a ton of fruits and veggies, no sugar, and juicing is very helpful. I want you healthy . Love ya!!

Patty

Patty, I am thinking of your deportation day as a Star Trek experience. Beam me Up Scottie. You are now transported into a new place and time. Welcome to the other side! It will be great when Jenny joins us too. Blast off!

Great links Deni!

Luna-I agree with Patty, the Atkins thing is very hard on your heart. My grandfather lost a lot of weight on it back in the 70's, when it first came out, and had a heart attack. I lost 40 pounds without dieting. I simply made a committment to my health. No calorie counting. I started eating small amounts, all day long. I got rid of all dairy and anything white. I went cold turkey on the sugar and eat as much fruits and veggies as I can. I only use healthy oils like coconut and olive, and do use organic butter and eggs once in a while. Now that I am on maintenance, I am not as strict, but I am very careful. To be successful, the biggest thing is to break habits. It takes about 3 weeks to break a habit. That is why diets do not work. You always feel deprived. I just now eat because it is healthy for me. Food is not such an issue anymore.And you have to exercise daily. I mostly walk and bike, but free weights and strength building are important as it ups the metabolism. You have such a great attitude, and are way ahead of where I was because you know more than I did when I was doing treatments. I did not have to do chemo, but nutrition is so important during it. You can do it. Have faith! Sorry, about the lecture, but I get very protective of you gals.

I agree with Viv on diet. I also lost over 40 lbs since I changed my diet and lifestyle. This wasn't the intent, but it was the outcome. I cut out all the things that Viv mentions as well. Doing that alone, the pounds dropped off. I feel great and am told I took years off of the way I look. There was no bigger motivation than fighting cancer to get me living this way. And, now it is just second nature. I would never go back.

Congrats to the chemo finales this week! Well done!

I'm not on that diet now.  Tried it off an on over the years is how I had heard of stevia before.

Coffee!  Yes or No?  When I asked my onc, I was told "well, they are finding a lot of good things about coffee."  So, does anyone know.  If it is a good idea, well I love my coffee.  I don't have to ever have it again, though, if it is questionable or a bad idea.  I am currently going through tea bags like you wouldn't believe.  Those SGS ones from Johns Hopkins and chamomile and others.

Hi and Thank you Vivre. I can't wait to join those of you "on the other side". You guys are sooo funny and comforting. I am so glad that I found this site.

And yes, I agree, Congrats to all of us that is just about finished with chemo! Now, to work on making an appointment to be deported(I just love that).

Jenny. 

Thanks Deni.  Until someone tells me I shouldn't have it, I guess I will do the same.  In fact, I think I will go grind up some organic coffee beans right now!

Okay... question... I've never been a coffee drinker, BUT I have been a Diet DP drinker for years.  I had already cut down to 2 Diet DPs in the mornings.  Now, because of common-sense and recommendations from Breakthrough, I am trying to cut down to 1 Diet DP a day and then (hopefully!) 1 Diet DP.  Any suggestions on breaking my caffeine addiction?

Mom-I would not be so hard on yourself about one cup of coffee a day, but the diet soda has got to go. I use to drink it too, but boy have I felt better since giving it up. Now I do not even crave it. In fact the idea of drinking a soda repulses me. Like I said, once you stop something, you eventually no longer crave it. I drink lots and lots of tea and have a bottle of Pelligrino with lemon and lime when I want some fizz. The lemon and lime adds vit c too. I love the stuff! Those artificial sweetners are deadly. They are cancer magnets.

Luna, I was told that green tea is naturally decaf after the first brewing, by a tea shop specialist. So I use the new bags in the morning and then resteep in the afternoon. I heard that drinking at least 6 cups of green tea a day is very beneficial. I also tend to change the flavor by adding another kind to each pot. I use to hate green tea, but now I love it.

Thanks for the article Fairy - now I don't feel bad about my 1 cup of coffee per day. Although I do drink lots of green tea! Hope the nips are feeling OK and that you are recovering well after your surgery.

I've seen several references to tea from Johns Hopkins.  Where can you buy those?  Thanks in advance.