questions about diet change and DIM suppliments

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. . 

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.

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 

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.

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.  

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.

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/

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.

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

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!