questions about diet change and DIM suppliments

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  • linde22
    linde22 Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2012

    Truebff - Thank you so much for the detailed answer to my post.  You are fortunate to have the doctor watching out for you and guiding you.  If we could all be so lucky. 

    When I was diagnosed back in 2006, the MO had recommended Tamoxifen and I said no.  I did not like the side effects and I had also heard it was BAD.  So fast forward 5 years later and I again was diagnosed.   Same breast, same type of cancer, and very very  close to where the other cancer had been.  I do not regret my decison on not taking Taxmoxifen.  There are no 100% guarantees.  I attribute my recurrence to a very stressful time that I was going through.  So now here I am again needing to make a decison on hormonal therapy.  I tried the arimidex for two weeks.  I had burning in my mouth, very tired and knee joints were hurting.  That was only two weeks into it.    I stopped taking it and now my MO wants me to try the Aromasin.  I have not done so.   The two drugs are very similar.  

    I have been reading about the 24 hour urine test and the DIM.  This is something I will do.  Where I live there is not a Chinese  medicine practitioner ( I wish there was).  

    I have always exercised but I plan on doing more of it.  I know how important it is.  Also attitude and being confident with ones decisions and not making choices out of fear goes along way. 

    Thanks again for you response. . 

     

  • truebff
    truebff Member Posts: 642
    edited April 2012

    These are tough choices. A Chinese medicine practitioner can often be very efficient and can deliver the help you need in 1-3 appointments (along with tests) and then you can manage yourself and only need see them once every 6 mo to a year, depending on your situation. So it might be worth while to travel to one.

    Whatever you choose, it has to fit you and not what has worked for others necessarily. I wish you the very, very best. 

  • Linda-n3
    Linda-n3 Member Posts: 2,439
    edited April 2012

    I am new to this thread - have discontinued tamoxifen due to SEs. Tried it over a year ago, quit because of SEs, then had recurrence last summer, ER+, so started tamox again on advice of MO. MORE SEs, just cannot take it. What SEs have you all experienced with DIM? I am having acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and prolonged pain and hypersensitivity from mastectomy. Have pretty much had it with Western medicine, doctor-induced injuries and toxicities, and am nearly as skeptical about "natural" products as I am about doctor-prescribed "pharmaceuticals". Does DIM cause hot flashes? Joint problems? Mood or concentration problems? Thanks for sharing your information with everyone here.

  • truebff
    truebff Member Posts: 642
    edited April 2012

    For my experience

    -and I use it delivered via a cream I rub into my skin daily as preferred and prescribed by my Chinese medicine practitioner-

    no side effects, no effects.

    I even worried it wasn't working, but my 24 urine test after a month on this, said it IS!

  • GiGiL
    GiGiL Member Posts: 928
    edited April 2012

    Lovelyface, like you, I used the progesterone cream after reading Dr. Lee's book.  I also believe it played a large part in my being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I'll go you one further.  My mother used it, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer also!  She is an 11 year survivor.  She had a single MX, no radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen, which she said didn't affect her at all.  I had a lumpectomy, radiation and passed on chemo, since I was in the mid-range in the oncotest.  I do NOT want to take tamoxifen.  My mother is suddenly having iron deficiencies in her blood.  She has to take IV infusions of iron, which is no walk in the park.  This may have a link to her tamoxifen use.  It can't be ruled out as a cause.  There are certainly no simple answers are there?

    I am using exericse, diet and also turmeric at this point.  I too am trying to find a good doctor like truebff has.  I am going to see my MO on Friday after taking a 6 month break after rads.  I am thinking she isn't going to be pleasant to talk to.  Glad to find other women who are making their own medical decisions here.  GiGi 

  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited April 2012

    I just started DIM yesterday...do you know how long it takes to see a difference....and what will I notice?  also started mega Vit D, K, omega 3's, calcium, mag, folic acid and one other thing that escapes me.....where is everyone getting their supplements from?  who goes to the local health food store and who orders pharmaceutical grade....I got mine at Vitamin Cottage and that was a hefty price tag and pharmaceutical grade witll be 2 - 3 times as much!!!!  sure hope I'm not being penny wise and dollar foolish....I'll have labs again in June!!!

  • Hindsfeet
    Hindsfeet Member Posts: 2,456
    edited June 2012

    http://www.coloncancerresource.com/cancer-fighting-diet.html

    Let's look at those foods that will help you if you have cancer:

    • Avocados. These have a lot of glutathione in them, which is a powerful antioxidant.  It blocks certain fats from being absorbed in the intestinal tract.  It is a big source of potassium and is known to help protect the liver.
    • Broccoli. Broccoli and related foods like kale, cabbage and cauliflower contain indol-3-carbinol, which is protective against breast cancer by turning bad estrogen into healthy estrogen.   A substance in these foods called sulforaphane acts as an antioxidant that can deactivate cancer-causing chemicals.
    • Chili peppers. These contain capsaicin that is known to deactivate cancer causing agents and is believed to help those with stomach cancer. It can be an important aspect of a cancer fighting diet.
    • Carrots. These have a lot of beta carotene in them.  Beta carotene fights many types of cancers.  A substance known as falcarrinol is another cancer fighting agent you'll find in carrots.  It is only found in raw carrots.
    • Figs. These foods have a type of benzaldehyde in them.   Benzaldehyde kills cancer cells.  Other good components of figs include vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
    • Flaxseed. This is a good source of lignans, which are also antioxidants.  This food can suppress changes in cells caused by impending cancer. It also has a lot of omega 3 fatty acids, which help protect you from getting colon cancer.
    • Garlic. This enhances the immune system so important in fighting cancer.  It contains allium compounds that help immune cells fight cancer.  It also keeps cancer-causing agents from getting into the cells.  Garlic has been found to protect against liver, stomach and colon cancer.
    • Grapefruit. This food contains monoterpenes, which cause carcinogens to leave the body.  It may also help prevent breast cancer cells from growing.
    • Red Grapes.These contain healthy bioflavonoids, which are strong antioxidants that protect against cancer.  Resveratrol is a component of red grapes that block cancer cell growth.
    • Kale. Kale contains indoles that block the transformation of healthy cells into breast cancer cells.  It also works against other estrogen-sensitive tumors.  If your cancer fighting diet contains kale, you are doing yourself a favor.
    • Licorice root. This contains a chemical that is believed to protect a person against prostate cancer.
    • Mushrooms. Many mushrooms build up the immune system and help your body fight against cancer cells.  Some mushrooms help build interferon, an important chemical in the immune system.
    • Nuts. These contain campferol and Quercetin, both excellent antioxidants.  Brazil nuts are especially important in fighting prostate cancer.
    • Lemons and oranges. These fruits contain limonene, which stimulates lymphocytes and other cancer-destroying immune cells.
    • Papayas. These contain vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant.  It also contains a chemical called folic acid that can block cervical cancer changes and can fight other cancers.
    • Red wine. This is a strong source of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. It is vital to a cancer fighting diet.  It also contains a high amount of Resveratrol, known to be protective against cancer.  Even so, it is recommended not to drink too much because more is not better when it comes to alcohol.
    • Raspberries. This fruit is high in vitamins and antioxidants called anthocyanins.  They are believed to protect against cancer, particularly esophageal cancer.
    • Rosemary. This spice contains carnosol that has been found to block breast cancer and skin cancer in animals.   You can season foods with it or make a tea out of it.
    • Sea vegetables. This includes seaweed, all of which are high in vitamins, protein, fiber and chlorophylones, which are fatty acids that have been found to fight against breast cancer.
    • Tofu and other soy products. These contain phytoestrogens which are believed to help prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer.  You can make pure isoflavone pills isolated from soy that can protect against cancer without causing a hormonal imbalance.
    • Sweet potatoes. They contain beta carotene, which is protective of cellular DNA.
    • Tea. Both green and black tea contains catechins, which are polyphenols that can protect against cancer.  Green tea is considered better than black tea with regard to cancer suppression.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Great list Eve.  Some people sneer at anti cancer food - their thinking goes no further than their nose and stops at 'food' instead of thinking in terms of nutrients (chemicals) which these foods provide and whose actions greatly impact our health, i.e. catechins, polyphenols,  anthocyanins, etc. etc. etc., the list is endless.

    A whole lot of top notch and innovative research is being done in the field of applied nutritional science

    Someone was asking whether there were side effects to DIM.  After quitting Tamox a couple of months ago and replacing it with DIM, I'm happy to report that I see no difference at all in the aches and pains and hot flushes.  Same secondary side effects  Frown   Smile but no possibility of secondary cancers of the other breast and endometrium.  Just had transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial lining is back to normal !!!!! LaughingLaughingLaughing  Was so worried, had to have two biopsies during the two-year Tamox intake

  • Hindsfeet
    Hindsfeet Member Posts: 2,456
    edited June 2012

    Yeah, we have a whole pharmacy in our foods :) Foods don't give me all the side effects that we do with drugs. I am so sensitive to drugs anyway so for me to eating right is essential.  

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited June 2012

    I have heard to b careful if sweet potatoes and there is a hot debate with anything involving soy.

  • kira1234
    kira1234 Member Posts: 3,091
    edited June 2012

    I never heard anything bad about sweet potatoes. Why are they bad. Soy is something we should avoid if we are er+. With the research I've done I will only eat it when it is  natural and has very little processing. I do eat soy beans, but that's about it. I know I get some in many of the foods I eat which I don't see any way of avoiding.

  • truebff
    truebff Member Posts: 642
    edited June 2012

    Speaking of hot Thai chili peppers:

    Here is an excellent article about Tom Yum Soup and cancer fighting properties in this food are now being studied in USA clinical studies!

    http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipes/r/tomyumkung.htm

    And here is a recipe for REALLY spicy Tom Yum Soup (bring on the hot Thai Chili peppers!)

    http://lightbodies.blogspot.com/2012/06/tom-yumm-soup-where-have-i-been-you.html

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Love, love, love spicy ! thanks for the recipe truebff

    Has anyone ever watched the Spice Goddess, my goodness, her recipes are to die for, plus she makes everything look so easy to make 

    The videos would not run for me - I hope they do for you

    http://www.spicegoddess.com/videotips/

  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited June 2012

    Honestly? I really don't know. I have done so much research I have forgotten the source or details. I only know that I 'learned' I should put them on my* no* list. Sorry

  • truebff
    truebff Member Posts: 642
    edited June 2012

    Hi Maud! The Spice Goddess is great. I just watched three of her videos. Will be trying them very soon. Thanks.

    If you love spicy, I'd love to know what you think of the Tom Yum spicy recipe! Let me know when/if you try it.

  • Chava
    Chava Member Posts: 50
    edited January 2013

    What is DIM? I was researching grape seed extract and cam upon reference to DIM and I haven't seen that before.

  • cmeally
    cmeally Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2013

    Hello....I am new and not sure which way to go for treatment. I'm er negative but HeR2 positive (3). In Jamaica and Herceptin treatment is very expensive and can't afford it. My question is there any alternative to using Herceptin? What is DIM? And is eating soy bad for you?



    Thanks for any response

  • judyfams
    judyfams Member Posts: 148
    edited March 2013

    Dim is a supplement to balance your hormones.  So if you are ER- then hormone imbalance is not your problem, and I do not believe DIM will help with your BC diagnosis.  It might help balance your hormones, which might be good for your general health, but will not lessen your chances of a BC recurrence.

    HER+ means that you have a certain protein receptor which is why you do need the herceptin.  That is the only thing at this time that can help reduce a possible BC recurrence.

    Good luck - see if there is some arrangement you can make with your doctor about getting Herceptin.

    Judy

  • Faith2017
    Faith2017 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2017

    Dear madpeacock, what are the dosages of the supplements you are taking, and how many times do you take them per day?

    About the iodine, what is the brand you use?

    Thanks for your help!


  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2017

    Dear Faith2017,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out here. We notice that this is an older thread that has not had recent activity (2013). You can try sending mad peacock a private message. It is hard to know if she/he is still active here on the boards. You can also try creating a new topic in the Alternative Forum. Let us know if you need any help. We are here to help. The Mods

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