Breast Cancer and complementary or integrative therapies

About 6 months before her diagnosis, her estradiol level was about 80. At the end of June when her diagnosis was confirmed I loaded her up on Turkey Tail. Before starting Letrozole I had it checked and it was <10. I know Turkey tail is an aromatase inhibitor. I’m interested in how much?

Blessed be mushrooms, alternative and conventional treatments.

I agree… I guess I shoulder a good percentage of the burden for her… then she doesn’t have to. I’ve attended all the procedures in person except the actual surgery, and in the room when the radiation therapy was given, and I’m an asshole when it comes to her care. I was told that by a doctor. He also said that if he ever had a problem, he hoped someone like me was on his side.

Healinhand
Very interesting reading your posts. I too am interested in the total effects of turkey tail. Appreciate any information you may have.
When I got diagnosed, someone told me about it and I was doing my own research . I will be discussing it with my oncologist at my next visit.

Interesting.

Did she experience any side effects from Turkey Tail?

Is she taking Letrozole now? If so, any difference in effects?

Is she taking both?

What does her oncologist think of this result?

Some women develop a resistance to AI over time… big problem… wonder how this might fit in.

If turkey tail suppresses estradiol completely, hypothetically, why would it be better than an aromatase inhibitor, which is regulated and known to suppress estradiol completely? Would the side effects be any better since side effects result from estrogen suppression? I just don't understand and need more info.

Turkey Tail does alot more that just be an AI. I also believe that anytime you can use a natural product, the better off you are

She didnt experience any other discomfort. She was already postmenopausal. Hot flashes, etc. She is taking both. Like most people were concerned about recurrence, so I do everything possible to reduce those odds.
I spoke with her oncologist about it and he admitted that he takes the same as us. Turkey tail and Lions mane. He`s very progressive and is concerned about the patient.

I know you guys have seen me post this before, but it bears repeating. When considering complementary or alternative treatments, be open-minded yet skeptical. Learn about the potential benefits and risks.

As per the disclaimer for Mayo Clinic Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/disclaimer/
"All information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect, such as messages, images, advice, URLs, and any other material, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community."

To help with your research, I found this article by a radiation oncologist who practising integrated cancer care in Australia. In particular, I think you may appreciate the studies she cites.
- Supplemental Mushrooms https://www.drcarolhaddad.com/blog/supplemental-mushrooms

Keep in mind that natural substances can also have toxicities, adverse side effects and treatment interactions.

Luckily, more and more cancer centers and oncology specialists are open to discussing and integrating complementary medicine. I hope each of you has an oncologist with whom you can speak openly about your interest and use of integrative and complementary medicine.

One of many sites with info on pros and cons of turkey tail mushrooms
https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/turkey-tail-mushroom-cancer#risks-and-side-effects
For cautions: Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe. However, people with mushroom or mold allergies should steer clear of them.

"While they’re generally considered safe, turkey tail mushrooms can occasionally have a few side effects to be aware of, including:
digestive upset, such as diarrhea, gas, or bloating
darker pigment in your fingernails
It’s also important to keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate dietary supplements in the same way that it regulates conventional medicines. Proceed with caution and talk with a healthcare professional about any supplements you’re thinking of taking."

I noted that the study cited only had 9 participants but perhaps there are others.

Apparently the benefit is for the immune system. I would not be able to take them due to 1) allergy to mold and 2) autoimmune disease, so strengthening my immune system is potentially harmful. But if docs are on board, might be something for others to consider.

ps I did not see the post by @colleenyoung . That study also had 9 participants and her link has this on the results:
1. Turkey Tail
A meta-analysis published in 2012 analysing the use of Turkey Tail in 13 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed it to improve survival with a 9% absolute risk reduction in mortality and 1 extra patient alive for every 11 treated (Eliza et al 2012). This result was more marked in colorectal, breast and gastric cancer and less evident in nasopharyngeal and oesophageal carcinoma.

The same meta-analysis showed dose ranges of turkey tail between 1-3 grams/day to be effective, however almost all used a dose of 3g/day on average. A Phase 1 Clinical Trial published in 2012 assessed dose escalation of Trametes (Coriolus) versicolor (Turkey Tail) in breast cancer patients (n=9) who had completed primary treatment including adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Torkelson et al 2012). It showed that 9g/day of oral preparation is safe to use however, it was not necessarily superior to 6g/day in increasing the numbers of immune cells, but 6g/day was superior to 3g/day.