Ibrance/Letrozole and Diet

Options
JustG22
JustG22 Member Posts: 33
edited December 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Was wondering if anyone has read about antioxidants and free radical fighting foods possibly interfering with the effectiveness of these drugs.  It makes sense to me that should continue eating a very healthy diet however I would like to know if these foods are protecting the cancer cells or making the drugs not perform as well.  

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • LoveFromPhilly
    LoveFromPhilly Member Posts: 1,308
    edited November 2018

    hi!

    The only foods that I was told by my ND (who has a primary care clinic focused on women’s health and oncology and has been in practice for over 35 years) to stay away from are grapefruit and Seville oranges (which is what they use the peel of to make Early Grey tea!). Also, I read about pomegranate being something to avoid as well as curcumerin (which is high dose of the bioactive medicinal compound from turmeric).

    I’m a nutritionist and Chinese medicine practitioner myself and go bananas researching these things and as far as I can see, that’s it on the do not consume list for Ibrance and letrozole.

    Hope that helps!

    Brenda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2018

    Thanx. I knew about the grapefruit but was unaware about The oranges and Earl Grey tea. If I may restate my question, I am wondering if taking antioxidant The oranges and Earl gray tea. If I may re-state my question, In my research I read that antioxidant rich foods may actually protect the cancer cells instead of the healthy cells. I totally agree with you about research. It can be quite overwhelming

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveFromPhilly
    LoveFromPhilly Member Posts: 1,308
    edited November 2018

    are you able to share/post the research you found?

    If that is the case, then I’m eating two chocolate croissants for breakfast tomorrow 😂 🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏾

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited December 2018

    When I was on chemo my MO said to stay away from antioxidants supplements due to the possible concern that they were protecting the cancer cells from the chemo. She did not mention anything about specific foods. I have been on Ibrance for 3 years and my MO has stated we are not aware of how some herbs may interact with the Ibrance so she suggests I avoid them but has not mentioned anything about antioxidants. However, she has said a few times that this is a new medication and we really don't know how certain things may interact.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2018
    it’s my third years as well. I suppose a healthy diet can’t hurt if I don’t go overboard. 😊
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2018

    Right😊

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chico
    Chico Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2018

    I am a vegetarian and so eat a lot of vegetables and carbs. I am also a sugarholic. However as I am Er+ & Her- I don’t worry too much about sugar driving my cancer but have read some disturbing things about plant oestrogeon & Ibrance. When I asked my Onc he said at this stage they just don’t know!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2018

    thanks. I will look into that too.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • singlemom1
    singlemom1 Member Posts: 434
    edited December 2018

    Hi Chico,

    I have never heard that since the cancer is er+ you don't need to worry about sugar. I I have heard either sugar is a concern or not regardless of type of cancer. Is your understanding because estrogen fuels it? Also can you share concerns about plant oestrogen and Ibrance? Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2018

    Good morning Chico-  I am concerned with sugar because the tests such as bone and PET scans use a cocktail where sugar binds to the cancerous cells.  Also, sugar keeps my body very acidic and I prefer to aim for the normal pH.  As far as plant oestrogens, I have been told to steer slear of soy and such but the more I research I am finding that these may be more a benefit than a threat.  All this is definitely a learning process.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chico
    Chico Member Posts: 196
    edited December 2018

    Firstly I have to confirm that I am a sugarholic eating lots of chocolate & carbs and as a vegetarian also lots of fruit and vegetables. I have been on I/L for over 2 years so obviously it is currently working for me - I have ct scans every 3 months and a bone scan every 6 months. Therefore I have a vested interest in not wanting sugar to be found to feed cancer however obviously as I am strongly ER posative then I know that estrogen feeds my cancer. All that said I am not a scientist and have neither the desire or knowledge to try and influence anyone else. I love my life and still have a full and happy one and I enjoy my diet. I have no wish to hasten my demise but if the pleasure/sugar is taken from it that would be very sad.

    It is 2.00am and I am not long home from a party and need to sleep so apologies for not having anything concrete or any links to send however I do remember that Scripps Research suggested that certain foods and chemicals interfered with Palbociclib. I have also read that soy is bad unless you were raised on it in which case it is good.

    Anyway Merry Christmas and happy 2019 to everyone on whatever diet works for them

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JustG22
    JustG22 Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2018

    Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. This is an education for us all. Hugs

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories