Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[Elmo9607]

Hello again! Thank you all for the kind words. The funeral was a week ago today and was very nice, it was short and sweet. There were so many flowers! I went to a floral shop and ordered some single stems and arranged them myself at home...brought them to the funeral home and set them in front next to her picture. She loved it when I would bring in flowers from the yard and arrange them.

Everyone is doing okay, my Dad has been keeping surprisingly busy! I bring dinner over whenever I mow the grass. He has gone to see a movie, went out to eat a few times, and is starting to go back to the college to get things settled for when he goes back to work. He is also starting physical therapy on the "good" leg in a week or so, so he will be on crutches soon. He is very excited! His last checkup went perfectly. Family that lives closer is helping keep the house in order. My Grandma's sister came up to visit for awhile, so she has been hanging out at home with her.

The thing I find the most frustrating about all this....I find myself often thinking of texting Mom like usual...how my day is going, odd or funny things that happen, ect. I'll go to get my phone and then I'll be like "Oh, right." Very frustrating. I went back to work on Tuesday this week and been keeping busy that way. I needed to go back but I wonder if it was maybe a couple days too soon. Last night I got very upset over a missed FaceTime call from Mom when she was in the hospital and I cried and cried. You always think there will be a "next time" I guess. My boyfriend has been doing so great with everything, he has been a huge help and Mom really liked him. My Dad really appreciates having him around.

We are likely going to California next summer to spread her ashes along the coast like she wanted. I am both looking forward to and dreading the trip. I must say it will be nice to revisit and maybe see some new places, like Cambria. I myself have a trip to Gatlinburg and Richmond coming up....I am keeping Mom's hobby alive! She was always interested to hear our plans for it.

Smiley, your Dahlia story made me smile...I may do something like that when I plant flowers in the yard again on Mother's Day next year

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Janet -
and of course we cant forget the and more

Hoping your day was wonderful and the year ahead will be filled with many blessings for you

 

[luvmarypoppins]

tazdev - I forgot to ask how your dad was doing. I hope he is slowly healing and gaining strength

minky - I am sorry you are dealing with all these post op issues. I am sure the gals here can give you some good tips. Healing thoughts and prayers for you.

Peg - sorry you are having the health issues and hope the next testing goes well. Glad Kendall got the internship. My one ds is still looking for a job too. It seems like its been forever for him.

Laurie - I am sorry you are having all the issues at work. I would say something to if everything seems to be unproductive at work because of others actions.

smiley - forgot to say that I loved the dahlia story too.

Emily (Elmo) - I am doing the next post for you...

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Emily (Elmo) - sending you lots of thoughts and prayers. I know everything is so hard for you right now. I lost my mom in my early 30's and I would be like you too. I talked to her everyday and I so missed her voice and telling her about her grandkids and asking about my grandma who lived with her. Hold onto all the memories you have and keep them close in your heart. They will bring you strength.

California sounds like the perfect place to remember your mom. She loved it there so.

Sounds like you are catching your moms travel bug for sure! So great that you can explore and see the sights.

I am glad your dad is progressing and on the road to recovery.

Your boyfriend sounds like a real keeper. Hold on tight to him!!

Please come and talk to us anytime you want. We are here for you.

I know your mom said what a good cook you are too so I am sure you are bringing over great things for your dad to eat.

Blessings always.

 

[tazdev3225]

Minky - hope you are recovering well.

Elmo - I don't have much to offer but a hug and take things one day at a time.

Smiley - I love that Dahlia story. I planted Bleeding Hearts in my garden a few years ago in memory of my grandmother. Every year when they bloom I feel her all around me smiling. They were her favorite flowers.

My dad is coming along well. He has been going on small outings as his strength allows. We knew that would take some time since he had an extensive surgery and other health issues. He actually argued with my mom this week over food shopping. He insisted he could go and she said NO!!! He reasoned if he got tired he could sit in the car and wait for her. It was 95 degrees out with very high humidity. Mom won the argument. She went before he woke up. My parents argue over goofy things like that so I know he is feeling better. He sounds really strong on the phone when I talk to him. I haven't been running down to their house every day since I didn't do that before surgery. I didn't want him to think I was really worried that I would never see him again and freak him out. I am so thankful for all the support from family, friends and the friends I have made on here. I felt so lost when we first got the diagnosis and coming here helped me realize I wasn't alone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Elmo, please don't be a stranger here. We would like to share in anything you have to tell us. I'm glad you and your dad are doing ok. How are the dogs doing? I remember when she got them. I agree with lmp, she loved Zoe so much. Zoe will have a special angel watching over her, for sure.

Welcome, Minky. Glad you found your way over. How are things going?

Peg, exercise burns up a lot of sugar but I know it's difficult for you. Is there a type of exercise you can do that doesn't involve feet, like swimming? Or rowing? Something like that? Also, eating simple carbs that break down to sugar can really wreak havoc on your bloodwork. Like rices, pastas, crackers, etc. Stick with complex carbs. Fasting before bloodwork won't make a huge difference if they're looking at your HgA1C - that value looks back at how your blood glucose levels have been over the past few months, on average. So one high reading without fasting isn't a big issue if the A1C is in normal range. My bet is that the latter was elevated. I know Laurie had good luck with a low carb diet, but that type of diet can raise your cholesterol and I'm not sure how realistic it is for most people to live with long term. Look into the Mediterranean Diet. I think sometimes we chalk up weight gain to "meds" too quickly - for a lot of us there are a lot of emotional things going on and that's why we tend to gain weight, when we're eating emotionally. More likely, it's a combination of the two, and Lord knows what else. It's something I'm working on myself.

We had a trip down to WDW this month, combining it with a sporting event. It was fun, but so stinkin' hot. I could barely stand it. Kids went over to Universal for a day (first time), and DH and I had a relaxing time ourselves visiting friends who moved down there a few years back. Did two days in the Disney parks - kids hopped one day (doing three parks) while we just did one each day. Had their birthday lunch at BOG (in the rose room), which was neat, finally. We also drove for the first time, and that was a trip! Also had the dog with us, lol. Going away is difficut now as my mother doesn't want to be alone, nor does she want to go elsewhere, so I have to arrange someone to stay with her, etc. (She will turn 90 in a few weeks.) But it was good to get away, and now we're ready for senior year to start. I'll be busy, no doubt, with college planning and all that, so if I'm not around much, you'll know why.

Laurie, I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties at work. What is wrong with people? It makes it so hard to go to work some days. If it's any consolation, I hear the same type thing from just about everyone, regularly. I think our world has become very stressful in so many ways, and we are all feeling it. Try to get through one day at a time, and try to let as much of it go as you can. I will try and send you a card I keep on my work ID that is a brief meditation exercise that can help calm you in a few minutes. I used to work with a girl who wore a button that said, "Relax and get into the STRESS" and I still think of that phrase often. BTW I've been seeing pictures from your area for the 10 year post Katrina anniversary and it looks nice.

lmp you have a beutiful way of writing. Hope things are going well for you and your family.

Ann! So good to see you posting. That's great you're retired. You go girl.

GAGWTA

 

[Dancind]

Minky, hope you are feeling better. That happened to me with my first biopsy. My breast was completely black and swollen, and I had horrible pain throughout my groin area. My last radiologist said that I probably had a damaged nerve. My lumpectomy this time was a piece of cake comparatively.

Peg, I was testing pre-diabetic in 2010, and went on a very low carb diet. I lost about 40 pounds, and it got to be pretty easy to stick to. My cholesterol didn't change, but I do realize now that it really depleted my estrogen. I had the same symptoms I'm reading about with Tamox and the AI's. If I could do it again, maybe i could skip the meds, and weight loss would be a bonus. There are actually web sites about the Keto diet and cancer. Doubt my oncologist would agree with this thinking. I've added more carbs and I feel much better, but gained back 15 pounds.

Elmo, thanks for posting again. I lost my Mom 24 years ago, and I still think about her every day. They say Moms stay alive through their daughters.

 

[snappy]

Thanks, Linda, I would appreciate that. My DH has had diabetes for more than 10 years, also has inherited tendency towards heart disease. We do eat carbs, but try to go with the ones that have a lot of fiber, like Linda mentioned. Not all vegetables are created alike, which I did not realize until I went on my diet. I have really developed a serious dependence on squash and zucchini, cabbage, salad with sprouts of all kinds.

It wasn't too hard as I already loved mushrooms and squash and zucchini. I have eat more veggies than fruit, which has much more natural sugars. I used to eat a lot of watermellon, but after finding our who low its fiber content is, I eat it sparingly.

My internist specifically recommended a diet, and Ideal Protein was one option she gave me, but the point was to lower my cholesterol naturally without taking meds. It worked for me, so I am confused about your comment Linda about low carb increasing cholesterol. She is married to a cardiologist so I doubt she would have suggested low carb if it would tend to increase that number.

My husband finds that weight bearing exercise reduces his sugar numbers more effectively than aerobic. The difference is drastic. He is on heart, high blood pressure and diabetes medications. We both use a fitness band, and aim for as many of daily steps that we can. Peg, with your foot issues that would not work. But I wonder if working out on weight machines should be on your list to consider. If you work out with a trainer for a short time, you can get the maximum benefit from the effort. You need to pick the most convenient avenue.

I also find doing a daily food diary keeps me more honest about what I eat, and seeing a "coach" of a nutritionist is not a bad idea. It is regular accountability that counts I think.

Also, if you do low carb, drinking a ton of water is very important, along with taking a multivitamin and calcium tablets. I found I did best when I added warm liquids throughout the day. My favorite is Tea Forte and I drink a lot of loose tea, preferably their Blueberry Merlot version. It feels like I am treating myself every time.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I saw this on Medscape today and wanted to share it here.

Years ago my radiation oncologist stressed to me to avoid alcohol. Not a big problem for me as I don't drink much, other than an occasional glass of wine. But it is a point to consider., for all of us and our loved ones.

www.medscape.com

A Drink a Day May Boost Risk for Certain Cancers
Roxanne Nelson

|August 21, 2015
Another study showing an increased risk for cancer with drinking alcohol, even with just one or two drinks a day, has prompted renewed warnings on the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The new study, from an analysis of more than 150,000 healthcare professionals in the United States, found that overall, light to moderate drinking (alcohol intake of <15 g/day for women and <30 g/day for men) was associated with a small but nonsignificant increase in cancer risk in both women and men.

But this risk was more defined in specific populations. In men, the association was apparently driven by tobacco use. But for women, even one drink a day was associated with an increased risk for alcohol-related cancers, primarily breast cancer, and this was unrelated to smoking status.

The study was published online August 18 in the BMJ.

In an accompanying editorial, Jürgen Rehm, PhD, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, notes that the elevated risks for certain cancers associated with light and moderate drinking are important and have been partly confirmed by the current study.

Current guidelines relating to alcohol consumption consider overall risks to health and are not just for cancer, he comments.

"However, even when we consider all cause mortality attributable to alcohol, drinking more than 10 g of pure alcohol per day for women or 20 g for men over a lifetime can lead to a magnitude of risk not considered acceptable for voluntary behaviour in modern societies," writes Dr Rehm.


...can lead to a magnitude of risk not considered acceptable for voluntary behaviour in modern societies. Dr Jürgen Rehm

This study does not challenge those limits, and the cited upper thresholds "are also roughly in line with the upper limits of many national guidelines."

Dr Rehm also advises that those "with a family history of cancer, especially women with a family history of breast cancer, should consider reducing their alcohol intake to below recommended limits, or even abstaining altogether, given the now well established link between moderate drinking and alcohol related cancers."

In addition, although minimal information on family histories of cancer was available, the authors did observe a stronger association of alcohol intake and overall cancer among people who had a family history of colorectal cancer. However, there were minimal differences among people with a family history of breast cancer compared with those without one.

Consider Reducing Intake

Dr Rehm questions what to make of the fact that the higher cancer risk associated with light to moderate drinking appears largely linked to lifetime ever-smokers.

"This could be the result of an interaction between smoking and drinking on risk for cancer," he notes, or it could be a confounder, but more research is definitely needed.

"Such research is becoming increasingly possible in high income countries, where the number of never smokers has increased while alcohol consumption has been relatively stable," says Dr Rehm.

Defining the Smoking Angle

Last year, the 2014 World Cancer Report, issued by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), declared that no amount of alcohol is safe. The IARC put alcohol on the list of carcinogens back in 1988. But the risk is dose dependent ― the more alcohol that a person drinks, the higher the cancer risk ― and the study authors note that the association of cancer with light to moderate drinking is less clear.

The authors, led by Edward L Giovannucci, MD, ScD, professor of nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, also wanted to clarify the role of alcohol consumption independently of smoking, because that "has not been settled." Heavy drinkers are more likely to smoke, and although the analyses adjusted for smoking, residual confounding may exist.

Smoking is also the major risk factor for most alcohol-related cancers, aside from female breast cancer, and in studies that include tobacco use, the apparent influence of alcohol on cancer could be partly driven by its effect among smokers, they point out.

Women and Smokers at Risk

For their study, Dr Giovannucci and his team used data from two ongoing prospective cohort studies: the Nurses' Health Study, which included 121,700 female nurses aged 30 to 55 years at enrollment in 1976, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which included 51,529 male health professionals aged 40 to 75 years at enrollment in 1986. They assessed the association between light to moderate drinking and cancer, as well as how alcohol consumption affects cancer risk in the absence of tobacco use.

Of the defined alcohol-related cancers (affecting the colorectum, female breast, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, liver, and esophagus), there were 9016 cases in women and 1611 cases in men documented during follow-up. Breast cancer was the leading alcohol-related cancer in women, and colorectal cancer was predominant in men.

The associations between light to moderate drinking and risk for total cancer were similar regardless of smoking history, but consuming alcohol above moderate levels (Pinteraction = 0.06 for women and 0.11 for men) was more strongly associated with risk for cancer among ever-smokers compared with those who never smoked.

Among women, alcohol consumption of 5 to 14.9 g/day was associated with increased risk for alcohol-related cancer (relative risk, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 - 1.20), which was primarily driven by breast cancer. It was similar regardless of smoking status and after controlling for obesity and other covariates.

Conversely, the risk for alcohol-related cancers (among light and moderate drinkers) only increased among men who ever smoked (Ptrend = 0.006) but not among those who never smoked (Ptrend = 0.18).

The authors also found that the relationship between total cancer and alcohol was not "appreciably" different when they looked at possible confounders, such as age, multivitamin or aspirin use, Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010, or family history of breast cancer among women. However, it was stronger among those with a family history of colorectal cancer, although the interactions were not significant.

"Among women, even consumption of up to one drink per day was associated with increased risk of alcohol related cancers (mainly breast cancer)," conclude the authors. "Decisions on levels of alcohol consumption should also incorporate information on smoking history and familial predispositions to alcohol related cancers."

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Laurie, I would imagine that when your doctor talked to you about the diet she stressed lean protein use; and I bet you complied with that, knowing you. But a lot of people on low carb diets wind up eating a lot of fatty meats and cheeses (which was fed to them as ok by some proponents of low carb diets) and they found their cholesterols going through the roof. I think if you stick with lean proteins and watch the cheese it should be ok. I guess the question is, are people able to do that, especially long term?

Our cardiac center stresses the Mediterranean Diet of fish, extra virgin olive oils, rich vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. There is evidence based research that show's it's effectiveness.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-l...in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801?pg=1

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/pr...an-diet-linked-with-lower-heart-disease-risk/

http://authoritynutrition.com/5-studies-on-the-mediterranean-diet/

In contrast, to, say, the Atkins diet:

http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/atkins-diet

 

[snappy]

Minkydog, has the swelling gone down some?

 

[snappy]

Thanks for the article, Linda. I have been under the impression that alcohol should be limited since I was diagnosed. And the majority of beer has hops and is high carb, so a glass of good wine once in a while is the way I go.

Yes, I do eat low fat protein, boiled eggs and a lot of fish and seafood. Also, some chicken and if beef, it is usually filet mignon, no burgers or processed meats for me. I don't eat sandwiches, if it can't go into a salad, I don't eat it.

Ideal protein actually is low fat and low carbs while you are in the active phase, and separating fats from carbs in the maintenance phase which effectively rules out stuff like a big potato stuffed with butter or buttered corn on the cob, with a once a week holiday from the strictness of maintenance.

It is hard long term. I think I am lucky to have access to fresh seafood and year round farmer's markets close by (now a neighborhood backyard growers right in my neighborhood!)

Also, since DD19 follows the vegan diet, we are always experimenting with new recipes with no meat, with beans supplying the protein. We also generally cook down here with fresh herbs, particularly garlic green and white onions, parsley, bell peppers, and celery. Fresh herbs can make just about anything taste good, but it takes time to buy and prepare this stuff. It is a commitment.

I agree the Atkins diet seems like the wrong approach. But you can do low carb or controlled carb and also control the fat. You just have to plan well. I would say it is not a cheap diet to follow. I do not eat rice, pasta or bread, which are low cost staples. When we grill we do veggie skewers, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, zucchini and yellow squash, along with eggplant if I can get locally.

I have a recipe for gumbo that only calls for okra, green onions, garlic and parsley and lots of shrimp. I prefer it with no rice, the okra makes it thick. It is very satisfying.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It sounds like it's working for you and that's great!

 

[snappy]

I don't own any stock in the Ideal protein plan but I do recommend it. They give you an extensive list of the low carb veggies. Some like mushrooms, celery, and cucumbers, are unlimited, along with any type of lettuce you can think of. The other veggies are limited to 4 cups of veggies per day (measured before you cook them) and some veggies that are limited to a couple times of week like artichokes and tomatoes (because they have more carbs). You eat 8oz of lean meat per day, and you can split between 2 meals if you like. No fruit during the active dieting on phase one. This is not a diet you stay on for a long time, it is for the weight loss phase only. Even in maintenance I shy away from bread, rice, cereral, potatoes, pasta. I will have fruit now but I watch the amount, and also the occasional dessert and glass of wine. If I go up a few pounds in weight I don't freak out, I know to tighten it up for a few days. Also, I know when I need to lower the carbs, my body aches and I feel bloated. I have my own internal monitor it seems.

 

[snappy]

Thanks for additional links, Linda. I guess my diet takes that next step in limiting carbs, but it does call for lean meets and fish, veggies, extra virgin olive oil. It actually requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil a day. There are foods you buy that are low carb with protein added that is supposed to be more available than the protein in regular food sources. You taper off those foods over a number of weeks, until you are using only "whole" foods. There are substitute options to buying your food from an ideal protein coach, but I found accountability of going to the the coach weekly was helpful. You do not continue to buy anything or meet with the coach once you are in maintenance. If you go back to your old ways of eating: high fat, sugar laden drinks, processed food, daily alcohol, lots of carb and fat combinations, you will gain weight, guaranteed. They do give you specific instructions how to maintain, will power is up to the individual.

 

[snappy]

Good info (in my opinion) from actual dieters can be found on a discussion board for ideal protein and other diets at 3fatchick.com

Successes, failures, menu choices, food reviews, encouragement and the like for people while dieting and during maintenance.

 

[Feralpeg]

Thank you for all of the great suggestions! I will definitely be looking into seeing a nutritionist. I am looking for a place to do water aerobics. I have a pool in my neighborhood, but it is always swamped with little kids during the warm months. And, some may not believe this, but we can't swim outside year round in Florida. It gets cold. lol!

I'll post back when I have a plan!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It sounds interesting, Laurie. I researched it a little bit.

I think this newscast does a good job of discussing the pros and cons.

http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/health/2014/08/28/14367910/

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you for all of the great suggestions! I will definitely be looking into seeing a nutritionist. I am looking for a place to do water aerobics. I have a pool in my neighborhood, but it is always swamped with little kids during the warm months. And, some may not believe this, but we can't swim outside year round in Florida. It gets cold. lol!

I'll post back when I have a plan!

I think seeing a nutritionist is a great suggestion. I've done it, too. They look at a typical day's diet and help you see where you're shortcomings are, then they work with you to develop a plan that's personalized for you. If you are pre-diabetic the main thing they look at is carb consumption, and they write down how many carbs to limit your meals to, which involves a lot of reading labels. That, combined with some light exercise, should really help when you have your next blood work drawn. My SIL has been doing water aerobics for a year or two and she's really changed the way she looks. She's committed, getting to the pool at 6:30am, before work. A good friend of mine is an exercise physiologist. When people balk at walking, she always tells them to take a ten minute walk from home, then a ten minute walk back, daily, to start. You can gradually increase going forward. It sort of takes some of the "pain" out of it, feet pain notwithstanding. (Although with the heat index where you are I imagine outdoor walks are tough! Maybe mall walking? We have that here in the winter.)

 

[tazdev3225]

OK I am not even trying to keep posts straight but I have a question if you all can help. My granddaughter just turned 11 and has been diagnosed with very high cholesterol. The good news is she is not diabetic or in any danger of that. I want to try and keep her off meds to control it for as long as possible. Since she is 11 this is going to be hard because telling a child that her siblings can have burgers and pizza and she can't is hard. What are some suggestions to help. She is actually willing to do whatever she has to and my daughter is trying to change their eating habits. We have calls in to Childrens Hospital for the specialists but they are slow to make appointments.