Survivors - what do you think helped prevent recurrence so far?

"Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative anx don't mess with Mr. InBetween!"

PS2016 - when you get a minute, do go to My Profile and enter your diagnosis & treatment to date.

I'll second the 'positive attitude'. Everything else l do in MODERATION. I haven't cut out anything, but have increased exercise and decreased sitting on my butt. As for food, I've always believed in moderation and not any special diets. I'm 4 years past my recurrence and feeling more energy every day.

I am trying to practice the 13-hour fasting now to reduce the risk of recurrence based on this study -

"The researchers reported that fasting for fewer than 13 hours per night was associated with a 36% higher risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to fasting 13 or more hours per night".

Can you post a link to the study about fasting please?

I'm with Kathleen here. Quality treatment and the good old tamoxifen seems have done the job for me so far. I too believe there are limitations to the positive attitude thing and have read studies where it was proved that it was not enough, by itself, to ward off recurrence. Of course, life generally is improved by having a positive attitude. Perhaps there is no one answer to this topic's question, so whatever anyone is doing that's working is fine.

I truly cannot figure it out - I thank God every day when I take my Anastrozole - side effects and all. I was able to take Herceptin only for 3 months because of major heart damage. After having talked with literally thousands of breast cancer survivors, I can never come up with any rhyme nor reason. Some of the most positive women I've ever met had a recurrence. And some who eat the best diets, exercise constantly do as well.

If I had to pick one thing, it would be going to an NCI Designated Cancer Center (University of Michigan in my case) with amazing surgeons, oncologists and geneticists. My confidence in them has gotten me through it all as well as with my mom and sister with their diagnoses.

Thank you for posting the link Stephilo!

Popping back in to say that I think a lot has to do with somatic mutations that are not standardly tested for. I was alerted to the pik3ca mutation early in this whole mess and someone here (don't remember who) has posted about the p53 mutation. Both mutations can lead to treatment resistance and per my Foundations One testing i have both. I believe that's why I'm now Stage IV despite very aggressive treatment and healthy lifestyle. I know Stage lll generally doesn't get the oncotype but i imagine that's why two people could both have small tumors, node negative, ER/PR+/Her2- and drastically different scores.

My focus now is figuring out the best targeted combo to hit all these mutations

I know a lot has been said for exercise (which I agree with), but especially directly after treatment, I'd say "activity" is a great goal. I think a lot of cancer survivors feel pressure to exercise, and this can be tough when you're still recovering from heavy duty treatment. I'd say eventually exercise is the goal, but just make it a point to be active in the early stages...a FitBit or pedometer helps with this, just walk around a lot, take the stairs when you can, carry in your own grocery bags, etc. Every little bit counts. Once you get a little stronger you can step it up.

I definitely notice a huge difference in my pain levels when I move more. I have joint pain from my anastrazole and when I'm a lazy bum, it hurts!

I am also a believer in supplements, which I know is kind of controversial. I take turmeric, calcium, Vit D, krill oil, turkey tail mushroom, CoQ10 regularly, and make smoothie daily with fruit (usually berries), water, green powder, hemp powder, chia seeds, coconut oil and/or greek yogurt, and greens (spinach, kale, etc). Does this all help? Who knows! But it makes me feel better mentally so I keep it up! If it helps even one iota I'm happy.

You have to consider a whole lotta luck since many who do the "right" thing recurr and those who don't, remain NED for the rest of their lives.

I try to put in perspective that there is still a TON we don't know about cancer. You are all right, plenty of people who do everything "right" recur, while those who pay no special attention get to NED. I think living well, in all senses of the phrase, has to help...but there are just no guarantees in the cancer game (which is what I hate about it!). That's why we all have to fight hard for more emphasis on breast cancer RESEARCH! So important.

I'm with you, Magnolia. There is a massive amount as yet unknown about why cancer recurs. There are the beginnings of understanding about the various contributors. It is so complex. What appears as no rhyme nor reason today will most likely not be that way in 25-50 years. There is rhyme and reason, and they are working feverishly to understand how all the pieces work together.Right now there are discoveries happening every day about how bc works. The main subtypes will be drilled down to many more subtypes. Compare what is known today versus 40 years ago...monumental. Huge strides are being made, but we tend to downplay them because they are not curative for all. It can't happen fast enough. I do believe there will be a cure eventually, but these cures come with 1,000 different scientific studies, step by step, and not in one, giant 'Ta Da' moment. Research is key I totally agree.