I wish you the best. I think for me the worst part was the waiting period through all the different tests they put us all through and not knowing what the outcome would be. I was afraid the stress would kill me not the breast cancer itself. My blood pressure went up so high every time I had a doctor visit to find out next steps etc. It turned out I just needed a lumpectomy which for me wasn't too bad as the tumor was less than an inch. I feel very lucky and maybe you will be also. I didn't have to have any chemo, which tests showed wouldn't have helped me anyway and I chose not to do radiation after the lumpectomy. Remember you are the one driving this boat and do what you feel comfortable with the advice you are given. Try to keep exercising and eating well and it will help you go through the surgery easier. And yes, as others say keep reading and educating yourself, so you feel empowered to follow this unfortunate journey on your terms, not your doctors.
@pacentro
I only took for 3 weeks. Side effects were bothering me. Achy bones, joint pain, hot flashes waking me up so not good sleep. Fatigue. Didn’t feel like doing much. Still feeling some of the side effects, but diminished.
@pacentro
I only took for 3 weeks. Side effects were bothering me. Achy bones, joint pain, hot flashes waking me up so not good sleep. Fatigue. Didn’t feel like doing much. Still feeling some of the side effects, but diminished.
@1aug2allis I decided not to take anything. I am following an aromatase inhibitor diet. I also decided against partial breast radiation as radiation fries everything without discrimination. If I get a relapse, maybe they will come up something better. I was also thinking of Proton radiation, but probably cannot have it at my hospital.
@1aug2allis I decided not to take anything. I am following an aromatase inhibitor diet. I also decided against partial breast radiation as radiation fries everything without discrimination. If I get a relapse, maybe they will come up something better. I was also thinking of Proton radiation, but probably cannot have it at my hospital.
@pacentro
I hope so for those many women to follow us. I also say follow the money. The more they convince us we need the more money they make. I wasn’t a candidate for chemo when they tested my tumor, and even if I was I would not have done it. When I was getting my bone density today she told me her friend was told to do chemo, when her friend asked the doctor would you have you Mother or daughter do if this were her? The reply was no. So that confirms my feelings.
Good luck to you.
Those first words, the result of testing are frightening. But you should understand there a millions of us who have heard those same words…and are still here to listen and support you every step of the way. I definitely agree it’s harder on the family support person. Take a deep breath and do all the research you can to learn what there is available to help, treat, support, share. Then follow through by internalizing that new knowledge and pay it forward when you hear about someone whose diagnosis is even newer than yours.
Hugs to you both!!
@mimi09 here’s another twist on a diagnosis: there’s always a % who has breast cancer. If not YOU then who should get breast cancer…your sister? bff? daughter? your mother?? what about your cousin? niece? husband? your surgeon? Almost all of us have some-
thing. Hearts, lungs, brains, eyes, all manor of cancers. Is one better or easier to face? I doubt it.
At least we don’t live in the multitudes of countries where undeclared wars are raging, genocide waged, starvation rampant. I might be too Pollyanna for y’all, but we HAVE medical care. Expensive but it’s there…
Thank whatever power you choose for what you have today because tomorrow isn’t promised.
@1aug2allis I decided not to take anything. I am following an aromatase inhibitor diet. I also decided against partial breast radiation as radiation fries everything without discrimination. If I get a relapse, maybe they will come up something better. I was also thinking of Proton radiation, but probably cannot have it at my hospital.
Mushrooms are a natural aromatase inhibitor. Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale suppress estrogen. Also certain nuts like walnuts. Alcohol seems to bind to estrogen, but it seems that if you drink on an empty stomach, the absorbtion will be rapid. I am not a doctor, so I am not giving expert advice. There are many studies on these things. Some people follow this, but it doesn't give the bang of aromatase inhibitors which suck all of the estrogen out of bones, fat and muscles in post-menopausal women.
In my opinion, the best way not to be scared is to take action and by that I mean, do research, dramatically change your diet, change your lifestyle, start walking, throw out all the old skin care and cleaning products buy new organic safe ones, get rid of plastic, engage with friends and family more. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s also very empowering and definitely takes some of the fear away.
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Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.
@1aug2allis Are you taking aromatase inhibitors?
@pacentro
I only took for 3 weeks. Side effects were bothering me. Achy bones, joint pain, hot flashes waking me up so not good sleep. Fatigue. Didn’t feel like doing much. Still feeling some of the side effects, but diminished.
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1 Reaction@1aug2allis I decided not to take anything. I am following an aromatase inhibitor diet. I also decided against partial breast radiation as radiation fries everything without discrimination. If I get a relapse, maybe they will come up something better. I was also thinking of Proton radiation, but probably cannot have it at my hospital.
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2 Reactions@pacentro
I hope so for those many women to follow us. I also say follow the money. The more they convince us we need the more money they make. I wasn’t a candidate for chemo when they tested my tumor, and even if I was I would not have done it. When I was getting my bone density today she told me her friend was told to do chemo, when her friend asked the doctor would you have you Mother or daughter do if this were her? The reply was no. So that confirms my feelings.
Good luck to you.
@mimi09 here’s another twist on a diagnosis: there’s always a % who has breast cancer. If not YOU then who should get breast cancer…your sister? bff? daughter? your mother?? what about your cousin? niece? husband? your surgeon? Almost all of us have some-
thing. Hearts, lungs, brains, eyes, all manor of cancers. Is one better or easier to face? I doubt it.
At least we don’t live in the multitudes of countries where undeclared wars are raging, genocide waged, starvation rampant. I might be too Pollyanna for y’all, but we HAVE medical care. Expensive but it’s there…
Thank whatever power you choose for what you have today because tomorrow isn’t promised.
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2 ReactionsHi! @pacentro :
Thanks for sharing your experience; could you please share with us what is the "aromatase inhibitor diet", please? How'd you do it daily?
Thanks!
Mushrooms are a natural aromatase inhibitor. Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale suppress estrogen. Also certain nuts like walnuts. Alcohol seems to bind to estrogen, but it seems that if you drink on an empty stomach, the absorbtion will be rapid. I am not a doctor, so I am not giving expert advice. There are many studies on these things. Some people follow this, but it doesn't give the bang of aromatase inhibitors which suck all of the estrogen out of bones, fat and muscles in post-menopausal women.
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1 ReactionUCFsig85,
May you and your wife be blessed and draw closer together thorough this journey.
In my opinion, the best way not to be scared is to take action and by that I mean, do research, dramatically change your diet, change your lifestyle, start walking, throw out all the old skin care and cleaning products buy new organic safe ones, get rid of plastic, engage with friends and family more. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s also very empowering and definitely takes some of the fear away.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction