Do you avoid parabens, etc.?

I avoid parabens and scents where ever possible, especially lavender.  No one can tell you for sure what is risk or not,there just isn't enough study.  But my feeling is, I will do what I can within my power, and this an easy one. There are so many non-paraben options out there, just find another brand.

Yes I stay away from parabens and from sun tan lotions too as they have loads of toxic stuff in them..........I changed all my make up, skin care, shower gels, shampoos, and especially lipsticks as we lick those all the time without knowing so ingest a lot of them!

No, not really....

But after a year and a half on Arimidex, then Femara, I have stopped the AIs completely (with my MO's blessing) and will now have to rethink my role in keeping  recurrence at bay.

My diet is pretty healthy, I've lost weight and started exercising again, so I do see changes in my future. 

Just not sure how stringent I will be with every single product I use, especially if it's not on a regular basis.

Absolutely -- parabens and just about every other chemical ingredient.  There are plenty of wonderful, natural options out there, and the concern is the amount of cumulative exposure we get from applying multiple products per day.

For lipstick and foundation, I use Bobbi Brown.  It may not be 100% natural, but it's botannically based and paraben free.  

Here's a list I just pulled up that might be helpful if you're searching for options:  http://bcaction.org/our-take-on-breast-cancer/environment/safe-cosmetics/paraben-free-cosmetics/  And there are several natural cosmetics bloggers -- including a makeup artist whose name escapes me at the moment, but I'll try to think of and add  -- who also have lists with recommendations.       Deanna

Re: lipsticks, not sure how much color you like but I've switch to Alba Botanica Lip Tint. It also has some mineral based sunscreen protection (SPF 8? 15?) which is great (a friend's dad in LA got skin cancer on his lips).  Since there's a color, I can see when my sun protection has worn off. It was less than $5 at the health food store and I think it came in 4 colors? (I bought two different shades).

Firecracker, be careful about the darker lipstick colors.  Some tend to have the most amount of lead in them, which some people feel is worrisome -- although probably not a specific bc risk: 

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/05/study-lead-metals-lipstick-top-20

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/is-there-danger-lurking-in-your-lipstick/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

By the way, Bobbi Brown lip colors don't last very well on me.  I find I need to re-apply frequently, but that could just be me.  I also use fairly neutral colors most of the time.

Carol, a good quality lipstick or lip gloss will protect and moisturize your lips, and I personally feel like I need that touch of color to brighten my face and skin. But I know what you mean about getting along with less than we may have thought was necessary in the past. 

I use coconut oil too

On my face and body,in my hair,even on my lips 

But I have to use deodorant not under the arm where I had the nodes removed but the other one

Under the bad arm I use corn starchAnd if it hurts I use castor oil and put the corn starch on top of it

I don't miss all the fuss with all the makeup

I like Korres cheek butter blush and lip gloss. I tried the Tarte eyeliner gel but found it dried out too fast. I also like Josie Maran makeup - particularly the tinted moisturizer and under eye concealer stick and gel blush and also the mascara - her get one give one (GOGO) program gifts a mascara to a cancer patient at the City of Hope hospital in California when you purchase one. I also like Boscia skin products. All of this is available from Sephora.

Here is the link for that GOGO program -

http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/luxury-with-a-conscience.html