What foods are you eating to reduce recurrence?

If you add coconut oil to your coffee, it's really important to blend it in. I have an immersion stick blender that I use. It's completely different than if you just stir it in with a spoon. It is rich, creamy and has a delicious nutty flavor to it. It might not pass through your digestive tract as quickly when prepared this way, but probably best to start with just a teaspoon. I've also hadunsalted grassfed butter in my coffee (also blended). I know it sounds crazy, but it's so delicious. Like the richest, creamiest latte you could imagine. :-)

I know what you mean! It is so confusing. I was taking Astragalus during my surgery recovery, and I think it helped me from getting my caretaker's head/chest cold. I have been following a doctor friend's advice--follow the scientific evidence, look for unbiased studies that have held up over time. Also, check for compatibility with your medications (for instance, curcumin and Tamoxifen don't play well together).

Ok, after googling reversatrol, I think it is safer to stay away from it. In some studies it has an estrogenic effect. I really think I need to consult an Integrative Oncologist because I think most regular oncologists don't have all the newest data, and most naturopaths don't have all the cancer knowledge. If anyone else has anything to add I would love to hear it.

Here's a report on the study re: coffee and diabetes risk: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20140424/could-more-coffee-lower-your-odds-for-diabetes

That said, I do of course agree that less sugar and more exercise is probably more helpful.

Re: carbohydrates in the morning, most of my life I've suffered from hypoglycemia. I've played around with what I could eat and be able to manage it. I can never eat bagels, pancakes or cereal in the morning. I will almost always have an attack if I do so. I had a doctor some years back who thought it was what I was eating in the evening rather in the morning that was causing the crash at 11 a.m., but I don't think so.

I've also had metabolic syndrome for many years. I think it was a contributing factor in the BC.

Mary, I have a similiar problem with carbs. I believe it is what you are eating in the mornings, not evenings that is causing the crash.  I have to have protein, I can't eat just carbs.  If I have eggs/bacon/sausage, whatever,, then I can have a small amount of pancakes or bagels. BUT I must eat the protein first, and the carbs last. Over the years, this is what I have found works for me.  I think the carbs cause an excess secretion of insulin, thus causing the crash. Eating the protein first seems to only secret a normal amount of insulin and all is well.   I do not have any medical proof for this,,, This is just what works for me, and the conclusion that I have come to from reading and dealing with it for years.

ha ha - then I certainly won't be trying the coconut oil in my coffee SweetHope!

Manu14 - thank you, the coconut milk suggestion sounds good! It actually comes in a bottle here rather than a can. Normally, I find that things here are much sweeter than I am used to!!! I am wondering if I could make my own coconut milk since fresh coconuts are more than readily available here - that would certainly cut out added sugars, etc. But, first I will try the bottled coconut milk in my coffee to see if I like the taste. I am worried about drinking powdered skim milk every day even though it is just in my morning coffee ...

bc101 - you made me laugh with your comment about your Russian friend. Canned condensed milk is extremely popular in this country, too!!! And no, I am not a fan!!!

Manu14 - wow! Thank you so much for the great link - I can't believe I have never made my own coconut milk until now. I will definitely try it and let everyone know the results. So many health benefits from coconut, too! Apparently, you can also freeze this milk, which is handy when there aren't as many coconuts around ... My husband is not keen to try it, but I definitely am going to make it! Thanks again

Kayb - I agree that the study is very confusing. I am afraid to muck around with anything that might interfere with Tamoxifen, so to be on the safe side I cut it out as well as supplements I thought might be estrogenic. I would be interested in more information as well and will ask my naturopath.

Here was the posting on the boards I mentioned earlier. It's anecdotal, but freaked me out enough to quit the curcumin:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/815626?page=2#idx_46

Kayb and Hopeful, all I can say is that I wish I had that emoticom "beating my head against the wall." lol

Really, it is so frustrating. I may try to find an integrative oncologist. I've been working with a naturopath, and often she is helpful but she has also been wrong at times. And then all these conflicting studies just drive me bonkers. I did start Metformin tonight. I don't know if that is playing it safe or not, but I do feel encouraged by some of the literature on it. Here I am in crazy Mexico where I can walk into any pharmacy and buy Tamox and Metformin without a prescription. I am starting with 500mg and will work up to a higher dose. And I was someone who hated to take meds.

I suspect that the Nolvadex brand is more expensive, but I bought Taxus Tamoxifen here. One month supply for less than $10, and the Metformin -- 60 500 mg tablets for about $3. Not sure how that compares to the U.S.

katcar, I also am on Metformin, 500 mg. once a day. Not diabetic. First heard about it as an anti-cancer agent through the Life Extension Foundation. My doc was in agreement. What dose are you thinking of working up to? I haven't found too much definitive in that area.

Manu14 - my update on homemade coconut milk ... Ok, I made my own coconut milk this morning with coconuts from my back yard. I used a slightly different recipe which was very easy to do and which utilized the coconut water, as well as the coconut "meat". A truly creamy product. It will take me a while to get used to it as not much flavour, especially since I am on a diet and cutting back on fats, so can only use two tablespoons in my coffee. Not bad, but not woo hoo either. I froze half of it since the site said it was ok. for about 4 days. I am thinking it will be much better used in oatmeal. Thanks so much for the info.!

SoLinda - glad you had some success with your first try making coconut milk. I wonder if adding a couple drops of vanilla extract to it might help provide a little more flavor. Not sure how true it is but I've read that the fat in coconut milk is a medium-chain fat which may promote a faster metabolism.

I have never, ever in 16 years had anyone at the border question me about my meds. Now, if you're crossing by foot over the Tijuana border, that might happen. The thing is to spread your meds throughout your luggage and take them out of the boxes. One thing I noticed after visiting Ensenada is that the prices were higher there than were I live in central Mexico.

Re metformin dosage: as I am high risk (ADH), my integrative onc has rx'ed metformin for me for the past four years. I've been taking 500 mg, 2x a day. No side effects at all, except weight loss (a welcome SE!) Very affordable, too-- my copay is $15.